3

2

by the same Council I was elected
its chief. In assuming such duties
it was with a perfect knowledge
of its responsiblities and the
difficulties to be overcome before
order and discipline could be
evolved from out the chaotic
condition of the department as I
found it. The entire department
was huddled together in a tent with
no rules no regulations no head

My first duty was to select
the force authorized by ordinance.

With a view of getting men with
the neccessary experience I caused
to be published a notice in the
City papers that applications for
positions would be received, giving
the preference to the members of
the old volunteer organization,
stating that all differences that might
at one time have existed so far as I was
concerned were forgotten and forever
buried. A large majority of the force
selected were members of the old
department nor was any application
from a volunteer fireman rejected
and special efforts were made to
prevail upon others to make