We beg to direct special attention to the correspondence published on other pages of this number of the JOURNAL. The article published by us two weeks ago, by Charles Oyston, of Little Falls, N. Y., has provoked controversy, as we believed and hoped it would do. Mr. Oyston elaborated his pet theory as to extinguishing fire by means of spray instead of solid streams, as is the present practice. He brought to bear the logic of argument and alleged facts to sustain his theory, and certainly presented his ideas in a manner to deserve and command attention. But, in these days, when intelligence and science occupy high places in the fire service, new theories are not likely to pass without criticism. We are not surprised, therefore, to see so able and experienced a Fireman as Chief Cronin, of Washington, taking issue with Mr. Oyston, and summoning both experience and practice to refute the spray theory advanced by the latter. “ By-Carb ” also shies his castor into the ring, and, while devoting a little space to Mr. Oyston, takes as his text a paragraph we printed relative to the value of chemicals as a fire-extinguishing agent, and boldly champions their cause. The hose-coupling question occupies the attention of other correspondents, whose contributions will be read with eager interest. Discussion is precisely what we wish to see carried on in our columns. It is by this means that the Firemen of the country will obtain the best ideas , of practical men on the subject of fighting fire, and this is precisely what they are seeking. As an evidence of this, we may men; tion that the JOURNAL which contained the i report of the friction test of hose in Jersey ; City was eagerly sought for, and the sale of extra copies reached well up in the hundreds. Wherever we go, we find the Firemen have carefully read the “ friction test ” and are discussing it among themselves. So with Mr. Oyston’s article on the use of spray—it has been universally read and discussed by Firemen in all sections. Since we entered upon the publication of the JOURNAL, it has been demonstrated to us in various ways, that the Firemen are eagerly seeking and treasuring up everything that is calculated to enlighten them upon the subject of fighting fire, and that they are anxious to obtain information and practical ideas from any and all sources. We, therefore, call upon the leading spirits of the Fire Service to supply this demand for “more light.” Discussion is free, and our columns are open to all comers. We hope other Chiefs will emulate the example of Chief Cronin, and give us a leaf occasionally from their varied experiences.

We beg to direct special attention to the correspondence published on other pages of this number of the JOURNAL. The article published by us two weeks ago, by Charles Oyston, of Little Falls, N. Y., has provoked controversy, as we believed and hoped it would do. Mr. Oyston elaborated his pet theory as to extinguishing fire by means of spray instead of solid streams, as is the present practice. He brought to bear the logic of argument and alleged facts to sustain his theory, and certainly presented his ideas in a manner to deserve and command attention. But, in these days, when intelligence and science occupy high places in the fire service, new theories are not likely to pass without criticism. We are not surprised, therefore, to see so able and experienced a Fireman as Chief Cronin, of Washington, taking issue with Mr. Oyston, and summoning both experience and practice to refute the spray theory advanced by the latter. “ By-Carb ” also shies his castor into the ring, and, while devoting a little space to Mr. Oyston, takes as his text a paragraph we printed relative to the value of chemicals as a fire-extinguishing agent, and boldly champions their cause. The hose-coupling question occupies the attention of other correspondents, whose contributions will be read with eager interest. Discussion is precisely what we wish to see carried on in our columns. It is by this means that the Firemen of the country will obtain the best ideas , of practical men on the subject of fighting fire, and this is precisely what they are seeking. As an evidence of this, we may men; tion that the JOURNAL which contained the i report of the friction test of hose in Jersey ; City was eagerly sought for, and the sale of extra copies reached well up in the hundreds. Wherever we go, we find the Firemen have carefully read the “ friction test ” and are discussing it among themselves. So with Mr. Oyston’s article on the use of spray—it has been universally read and discussed by Firemen in all sections. Since we entered upon the publication of the JOURNAL, it has been demonstrated to us in various ways, that the Firemen are eagerly seeking and treasuring up everything that is calculated to enlighten them upon the subject of fighting fire, and that they are anxious to obtain information and practical ideas from any and all sources. We, therefore, call upon the leading spirits of the Fire Service to supply this demand for “more light.” Discussion is free, and our columns are open to all comers. We hope other Chiefs will emulate the example of Chief Cronin, and give us a leaf occasionally from their varied experiences.

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