The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-07-31
Public Views With DisfauorI Action 10 Retire Firemen
 Under CLoe s Firing Plan
Housea President of Underwriters Exchange, Delivers Some Hot Shots History of Local Fire Depart
 ment and Praises Bremen Slated for Gate

conditions and has always co-oper- ated with the chief and other ofti- cials towards bettering these con ditions and lowering the cost of in- surance to property owners. Rates have been materially reduced since that time and committee is now working towards accomplishing a further reduction. particularly in the suburbs. Mir Houseal states that his organization will be Handicapped ia getting results If the commissioners let the proposed action become effcc- tive. Experienced and compete1: men should be retained in the de- partment to accomplish results.
 No Grave Fire Hazards
 During the last three years or'y two down town firse of any oonse- qu-nce have occurred, both furniture stores. which develop a class of Ire hard to fight Those sort of fires can only be kept down by a careful and consistent inspection service. It is to be deplored that two inspectors were recently discharged and not replaced. They should be restored and others added from time to -me.
 Politics or Personniitiess
 Tt Is the general opinion that the underlying cause for the recent dis missals are either political or per sonal. It has been recognized in the past by mayors and members of the commission having Jurisdiction over the fire department that the main taining of efficiency in the person. mel was entirely up to the chief and he was personally held responsible It Is utterly impossible for com missioner without previous experl- ence and the closest contact to in telligently dictate how the depart ment should be operated. It is very evident that the commissioners with all of their duties and troubles can not enter into the details of any department which Is properly op- erated and get better results. It is but reasonable to believe that Chief Middleton with 24 years of fire fighting and the hiring and firing of mon back of him. and with the further good record of his depart ment shows that he Is more compe- tent to administer his office than any man living who hasn't had the ex- perience
 Can Only Hope
 we can only hope that the pres ent commission will restore to Chief Middleton such powers and co-oper- ation as will enable him to continue his life work.
 ''F1re insurance companies pay to to the firemen's pension and relief fund about s6.500 per year. That fund is for men and the families of men who have given the best of their life to the service. It is to assure public servants that after years of good service they shall bc rewarded. Is it to be within the power of one man, without good cause, to take from this man and his family their just reward?
 1t seems rather unjust and cold blooded to let these men go for cause. but to let them out as con templated would be a disgrace and most unfair. None of those rfn are being discharged for incompe tency, Chief Middleton knows that Browning and Taylor are two of the best men in his department, and hc was not consulted. Is there any suc- cessful organization In this country that permits of such tactics? The fire department has never been in politics and 1t should be unnecessary for any man to beiIttle himself to hold Job to protect at the risk of his life your home and prorerty. It Is to be hoped that the commis- sion will continue to let the fire department operate successfully as It has during the past few years"