Franklin E. R. Whitney
1858 August 1
We find published artense (sic) in the Firemen’s Journal, the Chief Engineer's quarterly report. There are 11,900 feet of hose, and 535 torches all the property of the city. Number of cisterns 59— containing I1,665,900 gallons of water. From April 30th to date of report, there were 11 fires— total loss, $72,425 ; of these 13 were caused by Incendiarism. The expenses of the quarter amounted to $3,41195. There are 694 members in the Department. The Chief recommends that the Department be reduced, and thinks that 12 companies are sufficient for all practical purposes. The Chief is of the opinion that the companies are located too close to one another, engineering a spirit of rivalry not at all beneficial to the Department. He also thinks that the excitement  which hit arisen from various causes within the last few months, establishes the belief that the Department should be consolidated. From personal examination of the rolls of the companies, and from conversation with members, he finds the Department next month, will not consist of more than five hundred members, and that companies cannot efficient thereby ; and therefore recommends that the Department be reduced to twelve fire companies and those who are members of the companies so dismissed be honorably discharged and invited to enroll themselves with the remaining companies, thereby saving them from loss of time as active firemen. The Chief recommends the disbanding of Volunteer Engine Co. No. 7, their services not being. In his opinion, required.  He furthermore recommends the building of five cisterns — on the junction of Market and Mason streets St. Ann's Valley ; one at the comer of  Folsom and Third; one at the corner of Minna and Second ; one at the corner of Union and Mason ; and one on the old Mission road, to supersede the one there, which is of no benefit. By a reduction of the Department to 12 companies, the city will save 410,300 per annum.
Source: Daily Alta California, Volume 10, Number 209, 1 August 1858 — CITY ITEMS. [ARTICLE]