The Washington herald., 1909-08-27

"One of the most solemn impressive
and expressive memorial services 10 the
dead that have ever attended" said
Chief Frank J. Wagner, OF the District of
! Columbia fire department. yesterday. who
has just returned from the annual con-
vention OF the International Association
Of Fire Engineers, held al Grand Rapids.
Mich, last week. was that TO the mem
ory of our former chief. friend, and asso-
ciate. the late William T. Belt
The memorial services were held in the
Fountain Street Baptist Church. one Of
the largest and most fashionable churches
OF the Furniture City. on the night or
August 20. The main auditorium was
hlled with a large company Of iremen
tand their families, who knew Chief Belt
having met him annually at the conven-
tionss and many Of the prominent citizens
Of the city.
/ Chief Miles Humphreys, OF the Pitts
I burg department. delivered a simple but
eloquent eulogy TO the memory of the life
and character Of Chief Belt, whom he
said he had known and been associated
with for years, comparing his life work
and character TO the late Chief Black. OF
/ Duluth he said that he was a genial
host as the members OF the association
knew full well, having been his guest at
the late convention held in Washington.
He asked the members Of the ass0cia-
ton 10 draw inspiration from Chief Belts
life, emulate his character, and strive 10
do the noble work that he has left as a
/ priceless heritage 10 his fellow-assOclate
chiefs his family, and the citizens OF
Washington.
Resolutions Adopted.
Among the others who eulogized the
character OF Chief Belt were President
Fillmore Tyson. OF Louisville. XIV. Chief
! G. c. Whiteworth, OF Grand Rapids. Chief
Wagner. and Rev. A. W. Brown. pastor
OF the church. Resolutions. euIogistic Of
Chief Belt, were adopted. ordered 10 be
entered upon the minutes. and an en-
crossed copy OF the same sent to the
family
Chief Wagner. in making his report 20
the Commissioners. said he saw much 10
/ instruct at the exhibit OF the convention
including all the latest fire fighting ap-
paratus.
II desire 10 invite the attention OF the
Commissioners. said the chief. Ito the
fact that the principal topic for discus
sion seemed 20 be motor propelled FIRE
apparatus. and those members Of the
association who had had experience with
such apparatus were unanimous In their
/ Endorsement OF the same. Experience has
now demonstrated that MOTOR fire appara-
tus is not only ehicient service. but
can also be maintained more economically
than horse-drawn hre-hghting machine
~"
VIII Ascertain Cost.
The recommendation OF the chief en-
gineer OF the fire department" said Com
missioner West yesterday. would IN
questienably receive the approval OF the
Commissioners. 1 have directed Chief
Wagner 10 obtain from other cities where
motor engines are used all the inforrna-
ton possible concerning the cost OF
maintenance. There Is every reason 70
believe motor engines can be maintained
at lower cost than horse-drawn appa-
"a .us. For instance. we are now paying
between $4,000 and $4,000 a year for
forage. and $4,000 a year for horses be-
sides a large amount for shoeing. har-
ness. blacksmithing, and stable supplies.
When the estimates are taken up FOR
consideration an appropriation FOR az
least one motor fire engine and hose
wagon viii be Included, and the Com
missioaers will have In their possession
wher. the matter comes before the ap-
prOpriatiOns committee considerable data
from other cities TO show that the in
vestment ought TO be made"