The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1872-07-23

Holmes; 18th. Thomas Hewlett; 14tli. J.
u. Phillips; 10Th. John W. Lee; 10th.
George Donly; 18th. Daniel Higgins; 18th.
Taft Lawson.
I'd. Rcsoired. That whenever the Police
Justice shall be absent from the city or un-
able from any cause to hold his court. the
same snail be holden by William Hall Crew
designated as first Justice Of the Peace.
| Agreed to.
THE COMMANDER OF COMPANY A, OF THE FIRE
| DEPARTMENT.
| The motion referred to in the previous
portion of this report in relation to the mis-
understanding of the Council in voting for
a gentleman as commander OF Company a.
of the Fire Department, at previous meet
ing; other than the old incumbent; was again
made by Mr.. Hall.
Dir. Bargamin inquired whether man
could be removed from Office without bring
ing charges against him.
The President: Certainly.
Mr. Starkc declared that he thought he was
voting for the old incumhents when the list
of names was presented to the Council at the
meeting at which the appointments were
made. He held a petition from Captain
Phillips, signed by more than three hundred
of the best citizens of Richmond, asking for
the reinstatement of the former commander.
He thought that there must be some remedy
for the very great injustice that had been
done him (Phillips).
Mr.. Wynne: The question, is gentlemen,
Shall the vote be rcconsidered?
Mr.. Wagner: move to refer the whole
matter to the Fire Committee, with special
instructions to report at the next meeting.
Mr.. Newbcrry: / am opposed to any re-
ference. We are competent to decide this
business ourselves.
The motion TO refer was lost.
Mr.. Bargamin explained his connection
with the affair He said in presenting the
names of the captains for election he made
no statement about their being those of the
old officers. He knew to the contrary. that
long ago he knew if Captain Ainsle was re-
elected Mr.: Phillips would not he rcap-
pointed, OF rather recommended, by Captain
Ainslie.
Mr.. Starke: Why, sir?
i Mr.. Barglmn: Captain Ainslie had his
reasons. He regarded Mr.. Phillips as a dl,.
organizer: was turbulent. and spoke di>rc-
spectfuly of Captain Ainslie, and that would
certainly do away with his authority with
the men if such remained to be the case.
His residence did not suit. He thought the
Chief Engineer ought to be allowed to select
the commanders. ,.
Mr.. Starke thought it rather strange that
so many gentlemen had misunderstood the
matter, If there were charges against Mr..
Phillips they ought to be made to the Coun:
ell
Mr.. Bargamin said that there were charges.
NIr. Starkc: Well, Mr.. Chairman, they
have never been made here.
Mr.. Starkc desired that the note written to
NIr. Barsamin by Captain Ainslie should be
read; which was done, as follows:
Dear Georgc,-I am too unwcll to come
out to-day, and will get you to attend TO mat
tcrs for INC before the Council, as agreed
upon. Fearing you may have misplaced the
list of captains, they are First, S. III. Ilcrn-
don: second, b. \: PurkS third, J. }. King;
fourth, G. X: Minor; fifth, q. w. Taylor;
sixth, ID. Br0phy.
AIr. Starke said that Ainslc had no earthly
right to interfere in the election of captains
that was alone within the province of the
Council. and Captain Ainslie had nothing to
do with them,
Mr. Nekberry hoped that there would be
an immediate reconsideration. He had had
great respect for Captain AinSlic, but he must
acknowledge that it was less than it was be-
fore.
\ motion was made to allow Mr.. AinSlc
to be heard in relation TO this matter, and he
came within the bar of the Council and was
questioned by Mr.. Starkc.
Question Mr.. AnSic, will you please
state if you know anything of Mr.. Brophy:
Answer: Yes, sir.
Question Was lie ever dismissed from
the Fire Department!
Answer: Yes, sir, for disordcrly conduct
| n, l1lnJy tb1f Mr. Rrp-
ply is Il deserterr
Answer: No, sir, not that I have heard
Question: Do you think Alr. Brophy will
make rs good an officer as Mr.. Phillips?
Answer: Yes, sir. / don't know anything
of the private character Of the two men.
consider that Mr. Brophy will be Il better
man, because Mr.. Phillips is rather turbulent,
and calculated to do more harm than good.
Mr. Whitlock: Mr.. Ainsie, will you state
if any intiuenre or inducements have ever
been brought to bear upon you to make you
substitute the name of Brophy for Phillips.
The Chair: That is not proper ques-
ton.
Mr.. Ainslie Gnterrupting) No, sir; none
whatever.
The motion was again made to reconsider
the election, and debate enslled as to tile
ability Of the Council to do such IN act-tile
chair claiming that the motion was Il correct
one, and that the Council could ut any time
remove any officer Of the Fire Department.
Mr.. Wexford claimed that when all officer
was elected he could not be turned out OF
office.
The Chair declared that his mind was not
fully made up since Mr.. Wexford had MADE
such strong point.
Mr.. Starkc declared that neither OF the
commanders were officers until they had
qualified, and not one of the gentlemen had
done so.
Mr.. Stokes moved to refer the whole mat
ter to q special committee
Mr.. Wexford claimed that Mr.. Brophys
election could not be reconsidered.
Mr., Forester stated that he thought that
the election of Mr.. Brophy was illegal, Us 1t
was clear to Ills mind that the Council labor
ed undera misapprehenson when the elec-
ton was held. He thought it perfectly COM
petent in the Council to reconsider It's action.
The Chair: The question is, Can the Conn-
Gil reconsider its action? want this matter
settled by the Council.
Mr.. Whitlock referred to various rilmors
that he had heard on the street. He Hecertainly
was under the impression that he was voting
for an old incumbent, and he approved OF Mr..
Stokes's motion to refer to special commit
tee.
Mr.. Hall withdrew his motion to recon-
slider the election, apd moved TO remove MI.
Brophy on the ground that he lad been eject
ed under misapprehension.
Mr.. Starkc wanted fair shake, ana there
fore moved TO hear Mr.. Brophy.
| Mr.. NewberTy wanted the petition OF clti'
zens in relation to Mr.. Phillips read. j
IL, mo