THE SOUTH AND FIRE PROTECTION.

THE SOUTH AND FIRE PROTECTION.

The South has recently been considerably stirred up in the direction of fire protection, and the revival of interest in fire alarm systems, fire departments, and fire service in general is very conspicuous. The many destructive fires that have taken place there of late have, doubtless, had much to do with this, as well as the visits of intelligent insurance inspectors and agents, who have pointed out what improvements should be made and what defects have escaped the notice of the city officials. These defects the latter have tried to remedy, when the remedy lay within the limits of their financial resources. To take Mississippi alone: A fire alarm expert who has visited some of the larger cities thus briefly sums up the situation therein:

Jackson—The mayor and city officials have been impatiently waiting for Inspector Johnson’s report. The city officials have already made a number of improvements asked by the visiting specials. Among other things they will greatly improve their fire alarm system—Natchez is friendly to the idea of improvements, and is willing to take any reasonable action which will prevent an advance in rate.—Meridian has ordered a new hose wagon.—Yazoo City will install three new boxes, as requested by Inspector Johnson.—Vicksburg has purchased a new hook and ladder wagon, and has improved fire alarm as suggested.—Columbus is willing to make improvements, if assurance is furnished by the underwriters that there will be no rate advance. The city officials at Columbus are not feeling friendly towards the insurance interests.