Putnam patriot., 1917-11-09
VOTE FOR
 FIRE PROTECTION
Fire Chief Urges Citizens to Vote "Yes" for Their Own Good and Good
 of the Department
Lack of Water Pressure in High Places
 Makes Conditions Dangerous

Makes k0ndiii0nS Dangerous
 A special city meeting has been called for next Tuesday to see il the voters will appropriate s, 300 for a pump attachment for Hose Truck No. l. The polls will be open from to l o'clock. Those favoring the appropri- ation will vote, Yes, and those oppos- ed, No.
 For years it has been known in eer- tain quarters that the water pressure on the high land surrounding the city is wholly inadequate to afford proper fire protection. The time came recent ly when this was brought forcibly home to many property owners who saw the Wheaton house burn to the ground while the tire department stock helplessly by without water to fight the flames. There were many expressions of despair over the situa. ton and it seemed as if the time had arrived for action.
 Following this fire, tests were made in various parts of the city and in some it was found there was no pres. sure, while in others the pressure was wholly inadequate. The PATRIOT has made public these sfacts for several weeks so that the voters may know conditions and the reason why they are asked to spend money for pump. The reason is so apparent and the need SC plain that it would seem that little more need be said. Homes are today al the mercy of any tre that should happen to break out. Such condition ean not be tolerated in any city that stands for progress and wishes to at tract people from other towns and cities.
 Fire Chief Cortland D. Arnold was asked by the PATRIOT for < statement, snd gave the following:
 "The citizens of Putnam are asked to vote an appropriation with which to purchase pump attachment for the truck of Hose Company No. l.
 respectfully urge the voters to cast their ballots in favor of this appropri. ation. The pump is not only needed for the good of the department but is also needed for the proper fire protec- lion of the property of the citizens.
 Recent water tests have shown con- ciusively that at certain points in the city there is absolutely no water pres- sure At other points the pressure is wholly inadequate. There are times during the dry summer months, while the water is low in ponds and streams, when nowhere in the city is the pres sure all that it should be. Such con- diIions are dangerous.
 The department at such times Is not only handicapped but is powerless, ias WAS the case at the recent Wheaton fire. The assurance of adequate water pressure at All times is essential for proper and effective work. AS the condition now exists there Is danger at any time that sufficient pressure can not be obtained, especially in the higher points in the city.
 A pump, such AS is asked for, at once becomes of the most vital impor- lance 10 the department and 10 the cit- izens as the only means of alleViating this dangerous situation. That is why 1 unhesitating!y urge that the appropriation be voted. To vote It down will mean that the present dan gerous condition is to ibe allowed to exist with consequences that can not be foreseen and that are not pleasant to think about.
 can as sure the citizens that the members of the fire department are ready and willing at all times to do their duty. They will work AS best they can with the apparatus furnished them. lack of water pressure hand icaps the department. No pressure leaves it powerless. Under such con- ditions the department can not give good service, but through no fault of its own.
 A pump will al all times and In all places assure good water pressure. Good water !pressure will assure ade- ouate fire protection. If the citizens want good protection they should vote the appropriation that will make It possible.
 Cortland D. Arnold,
 Chief of Putnam Fire Department
 ~ DxiOht Sharpe, supe -intendent Of the wafer department says that the pressure on the high points k not ade- quate and never has been. IL has al ways been intended that there shou d be pump and many ot the hydfants are fitted for pump attachment. lie says that the water pressure in tne los sections is adequate, except possibly !, in the very dry summer months. tie expresses himself as in favor oi the pump.
 No talk against the appropriation Is to be heard. It would be false econo- my, we believe, to vote against II ana it Is only on the ground of economy thai one could vote No next Tuesday
 S. Diamond and daug lter, MISS Minnie Diamond, have been in New York this week buying the latest ere ntions in seasonaole merchandise for