我们的通讯员。

我们的通讯员。

We boldly assert that there is no specialty paper printed in this country that prints weekly the amount of valuable and interesting correspondence that the JOURNAL does. That such is the fact, is a high compliment to the intelligence of the Firemen, and shows conclusively that, as a class, their intellectual calibre is above that of the average of men. The topics discussed by them cover the widest range, from the gossippy letter, descriptive of a parade or the equipment of a Department, to a scientific discourse on Steam Engines, or learned disquisitions on the best means of obtaining a water supply for cities and villages. All this correspondence is of interest, not only to Firemen, but to all classes of citizens who are interested in putting an end to the yearly waste of $100,000,000 of the nation’s wealth by fire. These letters tend to show what means are being adopted by each community to stop j the leak in its own midst, and they also serve to stimulate other communities, heretofore negligent or reckless, to take measures for their own protection.

With the first issue ol m announcement was tnd and frozen ould esteem it a privilege to b Phedium this hoc of intercommunication the Firemen,” and invited correspondence from all quarters. In accordance with this idea, we have permitted to contributors the greatest latitude of expression compatible with fairness and decency. At first there were a few who sought to use our columns to ventilate their private grievances, to assail individuals, or to indulge in slangy criticisms and questionable jokes. It took but a short time to convince the very few who thus contributed, that the JOURNAL did not propose to lend itself to any such low purposes, and we are no longer troubled with them. On the contrary', we have secured instead a corps of contributors who, for intelligent treatment of the subjects they discuss, cannot be excelled, and of whom the Fire Service of the country may well be proud. We are thankful to them for their favors in the past, and urge them to continue their efforts in the future. We also invite all others who have the time or inclination-to do so to send us contributions. Combine thought with experience, and let us have essays and discussions upon special topics to intersperse with our newsy letters. The field is a lyoad one, for there is scarcely any business that presents so many knotty scientific points for its followers to consider as does the Firemen's profession. There are plenty ol men in the Service fully competent to discuss these questions, and we hope to see them come to the front, and join our army ol correspondents—contributing their share to the exchange of practical ideas and original thought which will result in the greatest good to all.