The members of our fire department are, we believe, justly indignant over accusations that have been made against them, and have gained some credence among the people of our city, to the effect that ladies have been insulted in the vicinity of the department. Discourtesy, or insults received near the fire department should not be laid to members of the department without positive proof that they are committed by the members. The fact that ladies have been insulted there is explained by a fireman as follows:

   "That ladies have been insulted is probably true, and if the names of the young dudes, guilty of the offense, were given to the public, our citizens would no doubt be greatly surprised to learn who they were, and their parents would be very indignant that their sons should be thought guilty of so grave an offense.