Every evening, Wilmington daily commercial., 1921-01-11
PAID FIRE SYSTEM
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Mr. Dillon said that a paid fire depart :
ent looks nice, but asked what the people
would say about IL II they knew that thei r
tax rate would he increased from 75 cents
To 81 morn than it is at present per 800.
He eaid ths man with thf $4,000 house
would have bout $50 more q wear to paw
in taxes and that this in turn would result
in an increase OF 81 to 81 per month in
rent. He thought the people should have
sorne say. Hcsaid that no FIRE department
would work any bcttcr than the present
one and that the cost Of an individual
company under the paid fire system would
be ~ much - the entire department at
present. Mr.. Dillon closed his views with
the statement that when the people Of the
city want change the Water Witch ~
wiling TO fall in line.
OATS or VOLUNTEERS runBHEED.
William Cook OF the Fame Co. said that
although he was uninstructed, his com
pany is in favor Of apaid fire department,
~ the days OF the volunteer system are
over. He said his company viii help
Council In any way u can.
Martin J. Farrell Of the Washington
Co. said he was in favor Of the volunteer
fire department.
Michael r. CoDowsy Of the Weccacoe
said they favored paid department.
Charles Cannon Of the Liberty said that
as his company has taken no action, he
Was uninstruoted.
George Watson Of the Brandywine said
the company had taken vote and we're
in favor Of tho volunteer system until such
time as Council sees ht 70 make the
change to the paid system.
Alexis Haggerty Of the Uoion said that
ffs company WIS on record as favorIng
the volunteer system.
John N. Patterson Of the Independence
said bis company IS on record as favoring
the volunteer system until such time as
City Council, as representatives % the
people, is ready To make the change. He
asked that the hrernen be given eonsideTa-
ton for their past services
VITAL QUESTION FOR THE CTR.
A. ID. Warner Of the Chamber Of Com
nerce aid that from physical and com
rnercia point Of view, az wed az the ma
terial viewpoint, the matter Of a paid Ere
department was as vital If not more 20 90
the city Of Wilmington, than the new
charter
He said his reason for this statement
is admitted that the tax rate viii increase,
still Wilrningt is facing the problem n an
almost certain increase Of from $4,000
70 5000 in insurance, and ne said he
felt Satisfied that any increase IN tax viii
Dot equal this amount.
With repetition Of the past year, when
there were delays in the agreements be-
tween the companies and Council, Mr..
Warner said Wilmin gton is going 70 be
placed in the position where IL viii not
have fair organization for lighting tres
He said that if the present organization ls
20 be cIsrtailed 40 per cent or % per cent,
IL can be realized what this means TO the
property owners Of the city.
To get the best efficiency, sfr. Warner
said that the men must be trained and
disciplined and he said this applies 70 FIRE
fighting. as much as anything else he
declared that IN the last few months there
has no, been - much zeal displayed 81
the fires az formerly, Sc more or less fatigue
and an uninterested attitude has ap-
peared on the part OF some Of the vofin-
teers. Mr.. Warner said that the same
punch was not displayed at the last big nre.
Ia his concluding remarks, ne sald that he
hoped the proposed measure would receive
the support Of all the volunteers, even
though il costs more money 20 protect
lives and property.
John F. Walker, Of the WilrAln gton
MaIleable Iron Co. and representing the
Manufacturers Association said that
II was not poss,b bic to have the same
efficiency with a volunteer system a. with
traired men He showed how with large
FIRE IN South Wilmington, there would be
no water available tor q IRE at the plant OF
the Wilmington Malleable Iron Co. He
- -, ~ a--r-
ment, il would De their duty TO get after
the officials to see that the supply Of water
was available.
c. It. Bridgham, Of the New Castle
Leather Co. said at the company felt
that the most efficient fire department
cost would not approach the increased
cost in FIRE insurance. Mr.. Bridgham said
that the New Castle Leather Co. IS carry
ing about sI4,oOO,00 worth OF insurance.
George B. Ward OF the Phoenix Co. said
that company had just held It's regular
meeting last night and that ne was not
TO say anything.
COUNCILMAN FoRwooD SEES NECESSITY.
Councilman Forwood said that it is very
important TO have bill that VIII give
City Council the authority 70 create a
paid FIRE department. He said that IL Is
essential that Council be- gwen the au-
thority TO make the change at once. Mr..
Forwood said that six months ago SIX
companies announced that they would pay
for the ensuing year only. He repeated
that bill should be passed TO establish a
paid fire department at once. None Of the
Members, he said, want the city 10 be
without protection. We want bin pre-
pared, he said, 'fair 70 the citizens and
firemen and want all 70 go down 10 Dover
IN back of the measure.
Councilman Abrahams then said that it
is necessary TO get the solid backing OF the
people. He said that it is desired 70 give
the hremen a square deal and Just reward.
Robert Eakin Of the Water Witch Co.
favored referendum vote at ths city
election in June.
Councilman Mulyena said the only
point at issue was whether the b'l should
make II mandatory for Council 70 take
over the present department or that board
of appraisers be appointed 70 select equip
ment desired Mr.. Maivena said that the
firemen should give Council some definite
answer and asked that the fremen be
fair. so that there will not be a fight
against the bill.
Andrew J. Cross, of the Reliance
wanted to know if there would be another
meeting held. Mr.. Lyons. president OF /
Council, said it was desired TO have all I
the replies last night. He said no dilly- 4
dallying WAS wanted. He said that the 1
various COMPANIES were waiting to see /
-bax @ka 0,hav commands marc syN1r,rx e., 4