THE HOUSE-BURNING SYSTEM.
TO THE EDITOR OF THE SPECTATOR.
...." A Steam Fire-engine which performed wonders : what has become of it ? "—Vide SPECTA1OR, 1101 Sept.
Ma. EDITOR—I will tell you what has become of it ; but first permit me to give you a short history of its existence, as without it you cannot be in a situation to deal out even-handed justice as between me (the projector and in- ventor) and the Fire Insurance Companies who have failed to avail themselves of it, as a means more sure than any other now in application for subduing fires.
Having taken out a patent for an improved method of generating steam, I was induced, amon,gst other uses which it suggested, to attempt the construction of a STEAM FIRE-ENGINE; and succeeded in perfecting one of ten horse power, capable of delivering, with unexampled effect, ninety tons of water per hour. I then invited the Directors of the different Fire.ollices to wituess its effects ; who, on seeing it in operation, one and all expressed themselves asto- nished and delighted. Some, fearing an engine of such power would require more water than could be supplied to it, suggested that one of less power, and more portable, would be more serviceable. Up to that time I had expended about 1700/. in perfecting it ; but, nothing daunted, I adopted the suggestion, and constructed another to be drawn by two horses ; and which, by appoint- ment, was taken to the Regent's Canal Basin. In thirteen minutes from the fire being first lighted, the steam was up at 501bs. pressure ; and the whole in operative delivery, projecting a column of water a distance of 130 to 140 feet, and 80 feet high, at the rate of 45 tons per hour. Nothing but satisfaction was expressed by all. Shortly afterwards, the Argyll Rooms being on fire, offered an opportunity for practically displaying its merits. The weather was extremely severe ; and whilst the ordinary engines were soon frozen and ren- dered incapable of working, my engine continued for five hours so efficiently to perform its task, that but for its presence property to an immense amount must have been destroyed. Then came the fires in Wells Street, Charles Street, Soho, the English Opera-house, Messrs. BARCLAY and PEREixs' Brewery, at each of which it was at work, and at many others of less magni- tude. 'The superior merits of the Steam Fire-engine over every other, all admit ; but to myself, beyond the thanks of owners of property on the spot, and the liberal treatment I am happy thus publicly to acknowledge I and all my people received from the hands of Messrs. BARCLAY, PERKINS, and Co., and one sovereign given to my men (who attended at a fire with my engine) by Mr. Ilitainn oon, Superintendent of the Fire Brigade, I have neither re- ceived reward nor encouragement—nay, until the New Police was introduced, nothing but obstructions and annoyances. My last effort was, by the advice of some influential friends, to prepare drawings and estimates fur a Float Engine on the River. I did so ; and, at the instigation of some of the Directors, I submitted them to the Committee managiog the new Fire Brigade establish- ment; who, after some few days, returned them tome by Mr. BRAIDWOOD, the Superintendent, with the following letter.
" 68, Watling Street, 14th September 1836.
" Sir---I am directed by the Committee for- managing the London Fire-engine esta- blidiment, to return you their best thanks for the sight of the plans you have been kind enough to favour them with; and to inform you that they do not deem it advise- able to execute them at present ; but, should they do so at any future time, they will be most happy to have your valuable assistance. " I have the honour to be, sir, you most obedient servant, " — Braithwaite, Esq. JAMES ItRAIDWOOD, Superintendent."
On the above statement I will make no comment ; leaving the public them- selves to judge of the whole matter. As things at present are, I am minus about 3:500L by my invention. Now, for the answer to your question as to what has become of the engine?
Finding I must expect no support from tile Fire-offices, I have been applying it, rather than permit it to remain idle, to various purposes of pumping ; and at the time of the fire in Tooley Street, it had been home but a few (lays, and was undergoing slight repair. Will the Fire Companies say why they have not adopted it? An answer to this question is as much due to the public as to me. I am, Sir, your obedient servant,
J. BRAITHWAITE.
P. S. The Floating Fire-engine you call by my name, I claim no merit in, for in its construction I had nothing to do; mine being a steam fire-engine, whilst that requires the labour of forty men, constantly relieved every ten minutes, to work it effectually.
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