FIRE AND WATER
THERE appears to be some trouble in Fall River, Mass., between the administrative and executive branches of the fire department. It is claimed on the one hand that Chief Davol has been permitted too much license in the management of his office, resulting in his assuming the functions of the fire committee of the city council as well as the direction of the active service. The law is quoted to strengthen this claim, and the committee to establish their reputed status quietly ignore the chief and issue an order for a new fire engine. Our correspondent informs us that the chief declares he will not permit any engine to be removed from the house to be repaired nor accept a new one, and matters are badly mixed up. The fire department of Fall River is an efficient and enterprising organization. Its many contests with fierce and stubborn fires have placed it in the very front rank of scientific and skillful manipulators of fire-conquering methods. Every one admits this fact. Equally well known is the fact that Chief Davol, through his executive ability, department training and study of building construction, has aided very materially in bringing the department up to its present standing. Firemen everywhere know this. Then why handicap such a man with the petty, annoying opposition of designing and sulking politicians? If Chief Davol is incompetent he should be displaced ; if not incompetent, he should be permitted to attend to his business.
THERE appears to be some trouble in Fall River, Mass., between the administrative and executive branches of the fire department. It is claimed on the one hand that Chief Davol has been permitted too much license in the management of his office, resulting in his assuming the functions of the fire committee of the city council as well as the direction of the active service. The law is quoted to strengthen this claim, and the committee to establish their reputed status quietly ignore the chief and issue an order for a new fire engine. Our correspondent informs us that the chief declares he will not permit any engine to be removed from the house to be repaired nor accept a new one, and matters are badly mixed up. The fire department of Fall River is an efficient and enterprising organization. Its many contests with fierce and stubborn fires have placed it in the very front rank of scientific and skillful manipulators of fire-conquering methods. Every one admits this fact. Equally well known is the fact that Chief Davol, through his executive ability, department training and study of building construction, has aided very materially in bringing the department up to its present standing. Firemen everywhere know this. Then why handicap such a man with the petty, annoying opposition of designing and sulking politicians? If Chief Davol is incompetent he should be displaced ; if not incompetent, he should be permitted to attend to his business.
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