About a score of the firemen took up a position on the roof of the engine-house and directed a stream of water against the main building. Unknown to them the flames were rapidly eating their way to the machinery in the projection over them. The Mayor made it a point to attend all important fires, and frequently his vigilance at great conflagrations resulted in the detection of gangs of thieves who operated in the uniform of firemen. On this occasion he observed the danger which threatened the men. It was evident to him that the machinery would soon be reached, and the projection fall. A serious disaster would be the consequence unless the men removed. The Mayor sent the Chief of Police to inform them of their danger, and endeavored to induce them to retire from their perilous position. They angrily declared they would occupy whatever place they pleased, and said the Mayor should mind his own business as he had no authority over them. The Mayor saw that prompt and decisive action was necessary if the lives of the men were not to be sacrificed. He ordered Chief Mulholland to drive the headstrong fellows from the roof by force. All the policemen in the neighborhood of the fire were collected and they charged the volunteers, who were routed with some difficulty and came clamoring around the Mayor, demanding to know by what authority he had interfered with them, execrating and threatening him with personal violence. “Wait five minutes and I will give you an answer,” said Mr. Fox, quietly. A moment later the projection with all the heavy machinery fell, crushing the engine-house. The men who a moment before had reviled the Mayor were silent for a moment, then they gathered around him and gave three prolonged and hearty cheers for Daniel M. Fox. Mr. Fox was the first Mayor who directed the roping off the streets during large conflagrations, thereby keeping away not only the crowds who drawn by idle curiosity went simply to look on but also those persons who may have been attracted for purposes of theft. It aided considerably, too, in giving the Fire Department a clean working space, thus adding to their efficiency, and also avoiding the chance of accidents from falling embers or walls. This plan so wisely begun has been followed with advantage by every successive Mayor. Mr. Fox’s participation in the philanthropic and benevolent movements of the city has always been unlimited. As President of the Pennsylvania Society for the Protection of Children from Cruelty, Trustee of the Pennsylvania Institution for the Deaf and Dumb, and in his connection with many other charitable works, his constant aim has been the alleviation of the sufferings and the general welfare of his fellow men.