Evening journal., 1914-07-01

ShOulu employ capable men whose
duty It should be to daily keep in
touch with and make the changes
necessary as they occur.
If there are any bills outstanding
In connection Herewith, / trust that
Council Will clear them UP at once
by prompt settlement and start the
new year with a clean sheet as far
as the work of the new assessment
is concerned
The Police Department has been
very materially benefited by your en-
ergy and wisdom In providing the
help that was plainly necessary to
more thoroughly equip them for do
ing the work demanded of them by
the public. | congratulate the Com
missioners, Chief Black and all OF
those in the Department who have
faithfully performed the duties de-
Yolving upon them.
The police department is better
aualifed today TO perform the duties
expected Of It than ever. but II seems.
that before It can be pronounced a
perfect department, many of the
changes suggested In Mr.. Taylor's
report will be necessary.
] now come to the point OF recon-
inending q change that covers ground
upon which ] regretfully tread, How
ever. | have decided 10 make this
recommendation after careful and
thoughtful consideration. A more
ardent admirer of our Volunteer Fire
| department than myself could not be
/ found and yet am going to recon-
mend to Council that they immedi-
ately begin to consider the advisa-
bility OF and arrange Tor the proper
study Of the question of changing our
present volunteer system over to a
| full paid Fire Department. How
well / know and fully understand the
! cutburst of indignation at such a
suggestion, and yet, gentlemen, | be-
lieve that, il an honest opinion could
be secured, at least four-fifths of the
men who have been so faithful to the
department would agree that this is
the best and wisest thing to do. II
not now Of this opinion only short
time will be necessary to thoroughly
convince them,
The Fire Department must eventu-
ally be put on a thorough end sub
stantial business basis, and as Will
mington is nearing the one hundred
! thousand mark in populations. a Paid
Fire Department becomes al necessity,
IN fairness to the private and busi-
ness public, and In Justice TO the
hremen who are now faithfully and
wonderfully performing the duties
devolving upon them.
In recommending this change ]
would have Council consider in fair
ness the men who would be retired
and provide for them as is the custom
in most cities when such change
has been made.
The report OF the expert committee
OF Are prevention Of the National
Board Of Fire Underwriters, have
furnished more than once a COM
plete. fun and detailed report Of their
findings Such reports would have
cost the city many hundred dollars
to secure on its own initiative. and
as the reports clearly outline in what
way we are deficient, and, as no pub
lie denial has been made TO the state
ments therein contained, | am led to
believe they are correct If not. a
refutal should be attempted in order
! that our citizens may be enlightened.
The fire alarm system Is also
criticized fairly in their report, and
apparently, Providence only has been
good to MS in allowing the apparatus
70 continue to operate successfully.
1. takes too much space to 60 into
| the details, but these can all be fur
nished, ! am told freely and kindly
/ by the men who have made the in
/ vestigation.
The money necessary can soon be
| provided to buy the apparatus and
maintain them If the City Council
would consider some further changes
that would provide revenues, by cur
failing expenditures in the street
paving plan such as is followed at
present.
understand the plan of the new
City Building is not complete In ar
| rRngement for the successful care Of
the Fire Department In case the con-
templated or suggested change is
I carried out. This should be reme-
! died at once by the New York Archi-
tects. even If the proposed change is
not forthcoming at once, as the now
building should be available for all
purposes for many years to come.
Again I wish to say this suggestion
/ Is made only after careful delibera-
tion and with all kindness and re-
spect for the very best Volunteer
Fire Department to my knowledge
Another recommendation that
would make to your Honorable Body,
IS that you should thoroughly investl-
gate the plan, and petition the Legis-
lature to so amend the laws govern
4 ing the same, as 10 have the abutting
property owners pay their pro-rata
share OF the cost Of the street paving
that IL 10 be done In the future. This
is the plan hereinbefore mentioned
for curtallinE the expenditures OF the
Street and Sewer Department.
This recommendation will likewise