The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1917-02-26
THE FIRE HAZARD.

The big factory fire which occurred
in Topeka Saturday morning calls to
mind a warning issued recently by
Chief Guerin, chairman fire preven-
tive committee of the Safety First Fed
Grafton of America.
War crises like the present, says
Chief Guerin, always bring in their
train a vast number of incendiary
fires. This was the experience of
England at the outbreak of the pres
ent conflict. This was the experience
of the United States at the beginning
of the Civil war. Even the Spanish
American war, of minor Importance
as it was in the lives of the great
mass of the public. felt the influence
of the excitement and ill-feeling en-
gendered by the conflict.
At the outbreak of the present great
world war there was a tidal wave of
incendiary fires in England. For days
the fire department was kept busy in
each city. Mysterious blazes started
in mysterious ways. only the prompt
work of the fire-fighters prevented
confla grations.
1t seems to be a psychological re-
suit of the mental conditions of the
people. War breeds thoughts of fire.
1t brings to the surface every crank.
every fanatic. 1t gives excuse for ev-
cry crack-brained person to loosen
energies that ordinarily are dormant.
Racial and national feelings are deep
ly stirred. The whole country is in a
state of bottled up excitement and
those of weak will give vent to their
feelings along lines of least resistance.
England met this attack boldly and
promptly, but before the strong hand
was in control of the situation, the
fiery destruction had visited all parts
of the country and the loss was rolled
up into millions of dollars.
Such a crisis now confronts the peo-
pie of the United States. The pres
ent international situation is much the
same as that in which England found
herself. America should meet it with
as firm a hand and with an intelli-
gence that will prevent such great de-
struction of our national assets.
EngIand's experience in short holds
IllSHly ieSSOii IOI every AIIlSI1CdI
manufacturer. That lesson is that fire
prevention is the surest means of fire
protection. Be prepared. Be ready tc
meet any emergency.
The factory that is equipped with
every means of fire protection and fire
| prevention will be the factory thai
goes thru the storm without interrup.
| :
output or loss of profits.
To close ones eyes to the danger
will not avert it. To play the role o.
the ostrich, by hiding ones head il
the sand, will not prevent the small
fire from becoming big.
Those that doubt that such danger
exists have been asleep. The record
came shows that the forces of hatred
have been at work. In Kansas Cit,
/ there were in one day 1O4 fires. Othel
cities show a vastly increased number
of alarms.
The Saxon automobile factory
valued at s250,0OO, was destroyed. TIL,
Gimbel warehouse was wiped out b,
flames. An attempt was made to burr
the Westinghouse plant in Chicope,
Falls, Mass. An attempt was made t.
block the channel to the navy yard b.
sinking a ship in Charleston harbor
Fire was discovered and extinguishet
promptly among the cargo which wa
being prepared for the submarine
! Deutschland. The United States de
stroyer Jacob Jones all but sank a
sea when member of the crew open
ed the sea-cocks. Daily the list i
growing in length.