The Struggle for a Fire-Safe City

The work of a fire organization is difficult and cannot be done in a day. The organization has been gradually taking shape, though in the view of the more observant, many difficulties have been removed. In the outset, there was a deal of derision and some little prejudice, and there were too few who were willing to readily lend it a helping hand. Money had to be raised and an engine and apparatus purchased. Often, there was some little difficulty in gathering up the material for an organization. In view of all this, it is not surprising that a city as large as Seattle should have existed for years without a fire company. If Seattle can justify the pride of her citizens in this regard, we refer to the fact that as far as all public needs are concerned, there is a general negligence apparent on every hand. We may congratulate ourselves, however, on what has been accomplished in this matter. The company is organized, an engine and apparatus purchased, together with a suitable house and an alarm bell. But we have only so far advanced that a foundation has been laid. It is now for the citizens who have helped this movement along to not lay back on their oars. The material has been collected, but the building is not yet constructed. In the first place, there should be a regular Fireman's Hall. This would tend to engender a degree of comfort, bring the members together socially, and create a spirit of enthusiasm and patriotism. In the second place, the company should be called out and drilled occasionally. A fire company is much like a company of soldiers—it must be reduced to stern discipline. A fire company without discipline would be scarcely any better than no company at all.