National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1879-10-02
Mr.. REED CLAIMS HIS SEAT
He Presents Himself at the Meeting
of the Fire Board.
The Board Decline to Receive Him with
n out Credentials from the District Com
missioners-HeA Asserts His Rights
and Declares Ills Intention
to Take Part In the Pro-
ceedings of the board
The Fourth Member Of the Sire Board.

When the Board of Fire Commissioners met
last evening Mr.. W. b. Reed, the Commissioner
appointed on behalf of the General Govern
ment, was on hand to take part in the pro-
ccodinGs. Shortly after Chairman Collins
called the board to order Mr.. Reed said that
lie desired to have his presence noted by the
secretary. The Chair replied that unless be
presented credentials as member Of the
board, signed by the District Commissioners,
he could not be recognized. Mr.. Reed said,
nevertheless, he would vote on all questions
coming up, as he was sent to the meeting to
represent tho Government of the United
States. Mr. Collins replied that the Board
Of Fire Commissioners were simply creatures
of the District Commissioners, aud therefore
could not judge of the quail ifcations of its
members. They had nothing to do with MIR.
Reeds appointment, and as far as lie MIR.
Collins was concerned lie intended to do
nothing. Mr.. Reed WAS then asked if he had
any papers with him relating to his appoint
mcnt negative answer was returned.
But" said Mr.. Reed, II will have my Gre
dentas here in few minutes; they were left
at my house by mistake" Shortly after "A
messenger boy appeared with the missing
document, which he handed to Mr.. Reed. The
latter took the paper and. advancing toward
Mr.. Collins, said Mr.. President, here are my
Collins cast his eyes over tho document
aud returned it, saying that 1t had
better be shown to the District Com
missoncrs. To this Mr.. Reed replied that
this had been done the 9th of last August. He
was ut that time referred to the Fire Com
missioners and now they tell him to 20 back
| TO the District Commissioners. He was placed
| in very embarrassing condition, but there
would probably be change in few days.
The discussion ended for a short time, but
was resumed when the Chair, after reading
over the list of bills requiring payment, said;
'If there be no objection the bills will be or
derdercd to be paid" Mr. Reed replied Il
oppose the payment of those bills" "Mr.
Reed" said Mr.. Collins, II have stated before
that / cannot recognize you rs q member of
this board. You eau have redress only by
applying to the District Commissioners.
Speaking as friend and not Fire
Commissioner, would advise you to pursue
| the latter course" After this Mr.. Reed re.
NAMED silent spectator of the deliberations
of the board. No questions arose upnn which
| it was necessary to take the votes of the mem
beers, and therefor Mr.. Reed had no further
opportunity of testing his rights. Before nd.
journing lie inquired what had become of q
communication which lie had sent to the
secretary of the board. General Bacon, the
secretary, replied that he had referred the
| communication to the District Commissioners
| Mr.. Reed stated after the adjournment that
| he would continue TO present himself at the
board and to act as Fire Commissioner. The
letter to which Mr.. Reed referred as having
been sent to the secretary was one formally
announcing his appointment, aud notifying
| the board that until he was recognized all
their proceedings were Illegal.