Rhode Island Republican

Mr. Farnsworth,

PERMIT me, through the medium of your useful paper, to offer a hint relative to the propriety and absolute necessity of adopting such measures, as probably would not only prevent the too frequent and unnecessary alarm of "Fire." but also have a tendency of affording real security to the citizens from those distressing consequences. that would inevitably ensue, should a fire at this inclement and boisterous season of the year, rage with violence in the compact part of the town. I believe it is a fact generally acknowledged, that the town is greatly deficient in the very essential point of not having a sufficient number of Chimney Sweepers, and that even those who officiate at present, are almost disqualified for the office, from their advanced age. The remedy of this deficiency, in a town like ours, consisting principally of wooden-buildings, is important in its consequences, and claims serious attention, as our safety and preservation from the calamities of fire, depends upon the exercise of the means within our reach, to prevent them. Some people say that this necessary duty belongs to the authority of the town, as they are invested with power competent to remedy the evil: therefore, a query arises whether or not, if the inhabitants should suffer incalculable injury from the loss of property and perhaps of lives in consequence of it, the authority would not feel poignant reflections from their neglect of duty.

I am informed that it is usual in most of our capital towns and cities for an individual (calculated for such service) to have under his direction a number of apprentices. with the exclusive privilege of sweeping all the chimneys, he having given satisfactory security for the faithful performance of his duty.

A CITIZEN.