Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1910-08-25
FIREMEN's CONVENTION
AFTERNOON SESSION.

ceculDgS Ol llt ConNcnllOu CiOstu yes
terday afternoon, as stated, the com
mttces were given time to formulas,
their reports preparatory to submission
at the night session.
A resolution was offered and carried
unanimously endorsing the selection o.
New Orleans as the most suitable place
for the great Panama canal opening
exposition.
The Southern Fireman's Journal was
Endorsed as the official paper of the or
der.
The memorial committee then made
its report and resolutions i'll respect to
the deceased members were adopted.
The main contest at the afternoon
session was over a resolution offered
by Mr.. j. p. Fraley, OF Newport
News, to prevent voting by proxy.
The debate was spicy and at times
heated and the matter was postponed
until the night session.
Just before adjournment of the after
noon session Mr.. j. w. C. Austin, Of
York, Pa, national organizer, was in
troduced and made an interesting
speech. His reference TO the national
character OF the fremen's convention
work was warmly applauded.
About 5 O'Clock the convention re-
cessed until S.
NIGHT SESSION.
The resolution OF Mr.. J. =. Fraley
to stop voting by proxy was the first
business when the convention was call
ed to order by President Curtin at $50.
About 200 persons were present. Arg
ument for and against it were made by
delegates from Richmond, Harrison
burg, Portsmouth and a few other
points.
Col w. A. Smoot, of this city, took
an active interest in the pending ques
ton and was a prominent figure in the
debate.
The resolution to prevent voting by
proxy was finally defeated by a vote Of
40 to 80.
Mr.. l.. f. I.ookabiII, of Roanoke,
submitted the officers report rs chair
man OF the committee and showed
S7S663 as gross receipts and 1916 in
the treasury after all expenses were
paid.
Topics for discussion being next in
order the following were presented and
papers read:
No. Over nsurance-ShOuld there
not be a closer community Of interest
between local underwriters and fire de-
partment officials; assigned to X. II.
Mclaughlin, chief Of the fire depart
ment Of Norfolk, which was an able
paper.
No. 1.-The importance of cities and
towns Of our state creating an office of
fire inspector of buildings, co-operat-
ing with the chiefs OF various cities and
towns in order TO reduce fire losses and
danger to life and property; assigned
to w. X. Walter, chief Of the fire de
partment OF Portsmouth, interest
ing document.
No. 3.-The improvement Of rail
road and steamboat companies Of our !
state adopting rules preventing the
storage of coal oil, benzine, kerosene,
powder, etc, with other goods which
often has caused great destruction to
assigned to John II. Ratio,
assistant chief of the fire department
Of Richmond. A paper much enjoyed.
No. 4.-The 6remen of our state
when having saved human lives and
property at the risk Of losing
heir lives, how should they be reward
I'd; assigned TO j. w. Waggaman, cap
ain Of the Roanoke fire department.
The paper was well received.
No. 5.-The efficient volunteer fire
department. and how to maintain it, as
signed to NJ. c. Smith, chief Of the fire
department. OF PocahoDtas.
No. An able paper on fire drills [
n the public schools was read by Cap {
ain John H. Trimyer, Of this city, and
{ dealt with the necessity OF instruc-
ions and laws governing such drills, in !
rider that children may be trained to {
ave presence OF mind in case OF fire I
r time Of danger and the importance a
+ having all doors swing both ways in t
ublic buildings. y
All the papers were received and e
by vote Of the conyen. E
ion. b
The secretary then started to read his 5
eport. but on motion this as we'll as
ne report of the treasurer was ordered Ii
,rinted in the records. il
The secretary's report shows that the e
ssociation has membership OF n
early 1000 and is in a prosperous 81
Ondition. G.
The legislative committee made its fl
sport on the fireman's relief bill and h
ated that the contest on Its constitu- Il
onality would be made before the "
upreme Court. Accompanying the
port was a letter from speaker r. o
/. Byrd, OF the House Of Delegates. o
ating that The case would be heard in fl