The workingman's advocate. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1864-1877, 1873-08-09

The appointing power is, perhaps, ons oi
the nJst perplsyirs privileges which can be
bestowed upon the chief magistrate Of q ma
ton, or any of it, municipal powers. Parti-
Atty, favoritism, relationship, or influence, is
apt to control the Judgment of him who has
such appointing power and it not unfre-
quently happens that the claims Of q worthy
and efficient public servant are overlooked be-
cause the desirs to please somebody who has
influence, prevails This somebody may
be an individual, or it may he q company or
companies which it is, matters not, the prin-
ciple is the same.
The prompt removal of Fire Marshal VIII
lianls has placed the Mayor of Chicago in
this very unenviable situation. 1t devolves
upon him now to appoint his successor In
doing so, his Honor should be guided, as we
whole city. Efficiency, cApability, and ex
perience are the qualifications which should
be looked to in the person who is to fill the
very important position of fire marshal of a
been taught in the past, should not b. lost
upon the Mayor in making his selection to
ill the present vacancy in the fire depart
ment.
Among the many persons named for the
position. we know Of none possessing the
requisite qualifications more 30 than the per
son VINO is now temporary chief He is q
practical fireman of long experience. His
fifteen years service in the department has
been devoted to study of its requirements.
and his promotion from the hnmblest posi-
tion in the department to the one which he
now holds, is due solely to his practical abil-
Of duty In every position which he has held
he has been faithful and efficient officer.
Never aspiring above his station, he has coun-
seled with his superiors in office, and, while
keeping in the back ground, his advice has
been accepted and the city is now reaping the
benefit Of it.
AS workingman, Mr.. Benner always held
leading position among his fellows. A first
class mechanic, sober and industr us, he has
always had constant employment his good
Judgment, intelligence, integrity and urbane
manner, always commanded the highest po-
sition it was in the power of his associates to
confer upon him. President Of his association,
the members felt they we've under the inhu-
euce Of indomitable will, held in check by
A. taf1 IVA ha
Trades Assembly, he displayed Keen and
well disciplined mind that gained for him the
confidence and respect of all with whom he
came in contact.
A public life Of nearly twenty years leaves
him with an untarnished name man hon
est and upright in all his dealings with his
fellow men, courteous to his associates, firm
and gentlemanly in his demands, he has, at
all times, commanded the respect Of the pub
lie and members of the fire department.
But it is not on these grounds alone it
is not that he has been q workingman, or 3
trades unionist that we ask his appointment.
Out of that sphere he passed many years ago,
but it is on account of his peculiar sdap-
tation to the position, the practical knowledge
which can only be gained by long experience
in one particular line, and the efficiency which
is the natural result Of such experience which
he possesses.
Tbs benefit Of his experience and efficiency
was demonstrated at the two great fires which
have occurred under his administration 20 far
in the Singer Building, on last Saturday
evening, and the one ON Thursday morning,
on Kingsbury and Indiana streets, either OF
which, in the hands of an inexperienced chief,
the city would have incurred the loss Of
perhaps millions instead Of thousands Of dol
lars. On both ocC asions his conduct was the
theme of general praise, and the manner In
which his men were handled showed that
master hand kept them under control.
Believing the appointment Of Matthias Ben
ner to be Marshal in Chief would restore har-
mony to the department, bring order out OF
chaos, prove satisfactory to the city at large,
and give to Chicago one of the best and most
efficient fire marshalls in the country, we
earnestly hope the Mayor viii send his name
to the Council for such position, and that
the Council will confirm the nomination.