A TELEPHONIC SUGGESTION.

A TELEPHONIC SUGGESTION.

近inven电话这样的工具tion—may be admirably adapted to use in the Fire Department. In conjunction with our present system, it may be arranged so that Fire Companies will be enabled to be directed instantaneously to the very house in which the fire is raging. A contrivance necessary for this, would be simply an electric knob, placed in each of the alarm telegraph boxes, that would, upon being touched, warn the man on duty at headquarters that an alarm was coming ; and, placed in tho same box, a telephonic arrangement for delivering and receiving messages. This mechanism would take the place of tho present telegraphic machinery. Thus a man in giving an alarm, would merely open the box, and touch a knob to signal headquarters; then, whosoever was on duty at headquarters could call out “all right” to assure the man that some one was listening. Tho man at tho box would then finish his alarm by announcing through tho telephone, “ Fire at 240, West 18th street,” or elsewhere as the case might be. This message, after being received at headquarters, would be in turn transmitted, also by means of the telephone, to the respective engine, sruck houses, etc. Tho telephone thus arranged would enable officers of the Fire Department, iu whatever section of the city they might chance to be, to hold direct communication at all times with headquarters, or with their own stations. For instance, if more help was required at a fire, open tho box again, press tho knob and communicate by word of mouth, your desire to headquarters, from whence it will be duly transmitted to the stations upon which the call is made. Inspectors making their rounds, could also make their presence known in any locality. Much valuable time would be gained, if each company knew exactly where they were going before they left quarters. All companies could at once take their proper position at a hydrant, for since they would be supposed to know the location, there would be no excuse in mistaking their proper place. In fact, the telephone might be made a valuable medium for securing increased celerity, which is the most important object to be attained in fighting fire. The telephone is yet in its infancy, but the various uses to which it has already been satisfactori ily adapted, indicates that it is one of the ' most useful inventions of the age. If it; can be used as an auxiliary to increase the efficiency of our fire service, no time should bo lost in making the practical; application.

近inven电话这样的工具tion—may be admirably adapted to use in the Fire Department. In conjunction with our present system, it may be arranged so that Fire Companies will be enabled to be directed instantaneously to the very house in which the fire is raging. A contrivance necessary for this, would be simply an electric knob, placed in each of the alarm telegraph boxes, that would, upon being touched, warn the man on duty at headquarters that an alarm was coming ; and, placed in tho same box, a telephonic arrangement for delivering and receiving messages. This mechanism would take the place of tho present telegraphic machinery. Thus a man in giving an alarm, would merely open the box, and touch a knob to signal headquarters; then, whosoever was on duty at headquarters could call out “all right” to assure the man that some one was listening. Tho man at tho box would then finish his alarm by announcing through tho telephone, “ Fire at 240, West 18th street,” or elsewhere as the case might be. This message, after being received at headquarters, would be in turn transmitted, also by means of the telephone, to the respective engine, sruck houses, etc. Tho telephone thus arranged would enable officers of the Fire Department, iu whatever section of the city they might chance to be, to hold direct communication at all times with headquarters, or with their own stations. For instance, if more help was required at a fire, open tho box again, press tho knob and communicate by word of mouth, your desire to headquarters, from whence it will be duly transmitted to the stations upon which the call is made. Inspectors making their rounds, could also make their presence known in any locality. Much valuable time would be gained, if each company knew exactly where they were going before they left quarters. All companies could at once take their proper position at a hydrant, for since they would be supposed to know the location, there would be no excuse in mistaking their proper place. In fact, the telephone might be made a valuable medium for securing increased celerity, which is the most important object to be attained in fighting fire. The telephone is yet in its infancy, but the various uses to which it has already been satisfactori ily adapted, indicates that it is one of the ' most useful inventions of the age. If it; can be used as an auxiliary to increase the efficiency of our fire service, no time should bo lost in making the practical; application.