Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1916-12-06
cOUNCTLMEN TURN
TO FIREMEN'S SIDE
Pressure of Public Opinion
for Better Conditions Felt
by Finance Committee
FAVOR RECOGNITION SOON
Allotment of Money From Sink
ing Fund May Solve Prob
lem of Pay

pressure brought TO bear on the mem
hers OF Councils Finance Committee In be-
half Of the hremen OF philadelphia is begin
ming 10 affect those Councilmen favorab
,o Tho fire-fghters' campaign to an extent
that presases Endorsement OF their requests
sor a more equitable salary scale and
better working conditions.
This growing sentiment among Coun-
rllnen to render the fremen recognition
which II tardy, will Rbsove the city OF
Surtber criticism FOR failure to recognize
these guardians of its householders and
their property, Ia contained In statement
made today by I. walter Thompson Com
mon Councilman from the Forty-sixth
ward
81 have talked with Chairman Gafrney
ns we'll as virtually every member Of the
Finance Committee" said Mr.. Thompson
mot to mention numerous members Of
both chambers at large While l do not
think II would be fair at this time for
me TO mention names, l can say that
have been assured by prominent and in
HuentInl member OF the Finance Committee
that he and his colleagues are not only
friendly to the cause OF flrcmen. but in a
few weeks they hope to be in position
10 take up the matter on the floor OF
Councils.
WAIT ON SINKING FUND
"Just now. am given to understand, the
question OF the amount to be appropriated
be disposed of. The Finance Committee
member | refer to is well informed In the
doings and intentions OF that all-powerful
element of Councils, According to him,
there s prospect that some 100000 now
allotted to the Sinking Fund will become
available for general appropriation. The
exact amount will be known by the
second regular meeting In the present
month Should this calculation prove cor
rect II is the intention OF my informant and
his colleagues. he tells me, to devote por
ton Of 1t to the men OF the Bureau Of Fire,
Less than half of the amount | have named
would be sufficient to provide them not only
with the salary increase they are asking
for, but would also make provision for the
appointment of enough additional hose and
ladder men to make II possible to grant the
men in the service one day of in every four
instead OF every seventh day as at present.
Speaking for myself, ! am heartily with
the iremen and the justice of their cause.
and are my colleagues from the Forty
sixth Ward. We represent community Of
citizens who for the most part own their
own homes, and ] know the sentiment in
the section OF West Philadelphia wherein I
live Is strongly OF opinion that the Bureau
CT Fire is not only underpald and over
worked. but undermRnned and poorly
equipped. Conversation among my asso-
ciates in Councils has convinced me that
this opinion is held by Councilnen from
other wards and that n change for the bet
ter cannot be made any too soon. II IL not
question of expense, In my estimation
II Is simple matter OF necessary protec-
hon to the property owner and uccupant
while to the fireman Il is only n matter OF
fairness that he should receive a compensa-
tlon equal to that given by cities of the
same rank as Philadelphia There is no fire
department that know Of. and have per-
sonally investigated conditions in other
cities. that renders service as efficient as
that OF Philadelphia, yet at the same time
j am forced TO acknowledge that there is no
city In America of the first or second class
except Philadelphia that rewards that serv-
ice so poorly.
I'm my conversations with my fellow
Councilmen and the members of the finance
committee | have come across several who
proclaim themselves ardent champions of
the fremen in this campaign. In the course
OF conversation i had only day or two
ago with one of the floor leaders in nv
branch OF Councils and an active member
OF the finance committee he assured me that
the sentiment In that committee lately had
changed very much to the side of the fire.
men, and. as have already said, when the
sinking fund allotment is adjusted the mat
ter or increased salaries and more liberal al
lowance In the ways of hours OF service will
have the first consideration. look to see
the Mayor also, when he returns to the
city, announce himself along with the ex-
pressed sentiment of the citizens and so
many Councllmen as advocating the placing
OF the Philadelphia Bureau OF Fire in the
position that rightfully it should occupy.
Just now am busy enough In the in
vestgation OF the Pension Mutual Life In
suranee Company, but my efforts on behalf
OF obtaining Justice for the members OF the
bureau OF Police shall not be allowed to de-
tract from my interest in or endeavor to
aid In every way in my power the over
OF Fire"