The Pascagoula Democrat Star

Scranton Fire Company.

For the Democrat-Star.

MR. EDITOR: As I understand the Scranton Fire Company is a purely charitable organization composed mostly of the working classes and non-property holders and as an inducement to this class the powers of the State grant them immunity from the public road tax. This is not an object of personal economy, as some persons assert for the reason that the organization requires three dollars initiation fee and twenty five cents monthly dues, aggregating six dollars and from fifty cents to one dollar for absence from meetings twenty five cents and from fines two for absence from meetings. Where does economy come in? In the name of common sense, would it not be better to stay at home who groan to stay at home to be subject to the rules and obligations of the fire company? The peal of the fire alarm bell hurries the poor fireman at the first stroke jump from his warm couch in his scantily clothed, at the risk of health and life to breast the elements, consuming the property of friend or foe alike, as he knows no distinction in the discharge of his duties; but he goes forth trusting to his God and strength in his efforts by a pure and noble conscience to help the unfortunate, to the little town composed of his less, and to lend his charitable hand to buildings and all that the organization asks is the assistance of the public to equip and remove the debt for equipment necessary to subdue and check destruction of property. Attend the fire ball on the 3rd of February as the proceeds are intended for the above purpose.