Harrisburg telegraph. [volume] (Harrisburg, Pa.) 1879-1948, 1914-10-06

George w McIlhenny. president of
! the Mt. Pleasant company spoke in his
stead. Mr. McIlhenny said, John. you
Icannot speak your words of thanks
so just smile. That will show your
/ friends that YOU are thankful" John
smiled and then the convention smiled.
Then it applauded.
Appointments
President Kroll then announced the
following appointments as sergeants-
alarms:
David Hodge. Citizen Company No
| 8; George Seachrist, Allison No. 10,
and George E. Ellis, Good VIII, No. I.
Jail of Harrisburg. The committee on
resolutions was also named and in
cludes Frank Kelley. Pittsburgh;
Jacob Musser, OrangeburE; Frank
Kotcamp, York. on motion of A. a.
Cohn, of Allentown. the convention
adjourned until o'clock this after
moon.
At the opening of the session this
afternoon President Kroll announced
that there was a large calendar to be
celared. that he desired to wind up
business not later than tomorrow
afternoon
Nomination of officers for the en-
suing year was fixed as a special order
of the day for 4 o'clock. Election of
officers If not reached to-day will he
the first business on the calendar for
tomorrow mornings session.
Shortly after this afternoons session
opening the report of the State execu-
tive committee which met last night
was presented. The minutes of last
years State convention at Chester as
printed in pamphlet form were
adopted. President Kroll presented
his report for the year The report
in brief is as follows:
President KroIrs Report
In his annual report President
George Kroll, called attention to the
rapid advancement in firefghting ia
cilities; to the closer observance of
people in general to fire. prevention
rules. and made. number of recon-
mendations, including the following:
Wider use of chemicals: standard
ization of couplings; construction of
fireproof buildings: continuation OF
the State Fire Marshal's Department;
increased membership in the State
Association, especially urging repre-
sentation from the smaller towns;
closer attention to all duties; payment
by the State of percentage of salvage
saved on properties when insurance
is written, and the payment of the
money to pensioners; closer obserV-
ance of Memorial Day and special
church services for every company in
the State, at least once each year
President Kroll gave high tribute to
the deceased members of the associa-
tion and referred at length to the val
liable service of the late James Green,
of Carlisle, former corresponding sec
retary. On recommendation of Presi-
dent Kroll, on hour will be devoted
to- morrow morning for memorial
services. President Kroll said in part:
"Durinf the past year an earnest
ness has been shown among the fire.
r.fN NAN-
calculated to be of inestimable benefit
to themselves. to their companies, and
to the communities in which they re-
side.
'''In many sections of the State sys-
tematic efforts are being put forth for
the prevention of fires, by setting
apart certain days known as clean
up days Such action on the mart
of firemen and communities cannot
be too strongly commended and the
practice encouraged generally
throughout the State. In many local
tiles inflammable structures are being
demolished to lessen the fire hazards.
The use of chemicals in the ex-
of fires is being urged in
any communities. and particularly so
where a proper supply of water cam
not be secured: and in many manu-
factories and large business houses
tanks have been installed
STANDARDIZATION or couplings is
also being considered by many muni-
cipalities. This is an important mat
ter and should be given the unquali-
fed endorsement of all firemen.
"Carelessness is largely responsible
for most fires. and in come instances
such carelessness is but little short Of
criminal. Benjamin Franklin said,
Want of care does us more damage
than want of knowledge From lack
of care many of the most disastrous
fires have. occurred. In many Euro
pean countries the owners of build
ings are held responsible when a fire
occurs in their buildings and such
placing of responsibility is said to he
of vastS benefit in the prevention of
con flagrations.
"Incendiarism is also responsible for
a large number of fires; but in recent
years all fires occurring In this State
are thoroughly and carefully invesii-
gated by the Fire Marshals Depart
ment. and the guilty parties brought
to Justice. This is as IL should be.
and the Investigations cannot be too
thorough and exacting.
THE United States government, I!