Denver labor bulletin., 1915-03-27
LET US HAVE HARMONY
IN THIS FIGHT

I11v 4IlA0l Ex&11y1
Considerable comment has been aroused in
certain circles over the proposed twoplatoon sys-
tenn for the city firemen, and 1 learn that some
hard feeling has been brought out. trust this
is not so. Personally favor the proposition, and
| as person who is either fortunate enough, or
unfortunate, depending upon the viewpoint to be
compelled to pay taxes, will gladly cast my vote
for the measure and do whatever may be possible
to have others do likewise. l know of no more
meritorious measure that has arisen in connection
with our city government in recent years The
fire and police departments are for the protection
of property and life and should be given every en-
couragement that can be. The men in it risk their
lives and are at your call at all times. They are
human and entitled to the same portion OF home
life and recreation the average citizen or public
officials or clerks in any city department. That
there are few fires and little loss of property there
from is due to their efficiency and faithfulness and
the better cared for the fire fighter is the more Sc
cure one can rest in his bed in the belief that he
and his family and property will be safeguarded
by those who the job.
1t is said that Commissioner of Safety Ms
bet, under whose charge the fire department is,
Chief John Healy of the fire department. and some
of the assistant chiefs and men do not favor the
proposition. have talked with Nisbet and Heay
and they tell me that the only thing that con
fronts them in the matter that if the proposition
carries the extra expense may cause the taxpayers
to endeavor to bring about action that would i'm
pair the efficiency of the department I doubt
that such result would ensue. Nisbet and Heay
are big, broad men, and in the past have favored
me in ways, and have tried in several in
stances TO repay them. They also on the city
pay roll the same the firemen in the houses all
are paid by the taxpayer for services rendered the
former at higher rate, it is true. They are COM
petent men, and have perfect right to their opin-
ions in this matter, and should be given due credit
for the same.
The whole question be left to the decision
of the voter, who pays the freight and should it
be decided in the affirmative the people will have
to bear tbs burden, if any there be, and am sure
that Commissiesier Nisbet and Chief Healy will
find the same influence willing to come 10 their
aid in explaining why it will take more money to
run the fire department under the new arrange
ment.
Perhaps shall have occasion to discuss this
matter further before it is over, and trust that
there will be hard feelings aroused or enmities
engendered The boys in the ranks should realize
that those in command have right to view this
question as they choose and those in high place
must remember that the man in the ranks gave
up no right of citizenship when he put on the blue
clothes and white buttons Of private ALL from
the top to the bottom, are pure and simple en-
ployes OF the taxpayers of the city and county Of
Denver and subject to their final will and desire
So far this paper and myself are concerned.
there is going to be square deal and fair fight
this question; If there is not, and the old
linotype and money for white paper holds out, the
reading public of Denver will know where the
fault lies.