The New Orleans Department.

A correspondent writing from New Orleans of the recent parade of Firemen in that city, pays a high compliment to the physique and discipline of the men, but adds: “And yet with their regiments of Firemen and multitudes of engines, the people of New Orleans have not the least idea of what a first-class Fire Department is. The idea of having half a dozen engines throwing double streams upon a fire within three minutes from the first tap of the bell, is something passing comprehension in this city. I have seen Firemen here running to the scene of a fire half an hour after the bell rang —not because they cared to exert themselves, but through fear of being fined a dollar if they did not put in an appearance betore the fire was put out. It is only the spirit of rivalry between companies that renders the Volunteer Department of New Orleans good for anything in a legitimate way. In an illegitimate way they are superbly efficient. They govern the city of New Orleans. They terrorize the local press. They control all elections. No one has attained to any office in municipal politics for years unless elected by the influence of some fire company. No one can be elected without their support, and no one dares to incur their displeasure.” If this be true, the sooner New Orleans gets a Paid Fire Department the better it will be for her.

A correspondent writing from New Orleans of the recent parade of Firemen in that city, pays a high compliment to the physique and discipline of the men, but adds: “And yet with their regiments of Firemen and multitudes of engines, the people of New Orleans have not the least idea of what a first-class Fire Department is. The idea of having half a dozen engines throwing double streams upon a fire within three minutes from the first tap of the bell, is something passing comprehension in this city. I have seen Firemen here running to the scene of a fire half an hour after the bell rang —not because they cared to exert themselves, but through fear of being fined a dollar if they did not put in an appearance betore the fire was put out. It is only the spirit of rivalry between companies that renders the Volunteer Department of New Orleans good for anything in a legitimate way. In an illegitimate way they are superbly efficient. They govern the city of New Orleans. They terrorize the local press. They control all elections. No one has attained to any office in municipal politics for years unless elected by the influence of some fire company. No one can be elected without their support, and no one dares to incur their displeasure.” If this be true, the sooner New Orleans gets a Paid Fire Department the better it will be for her.