Daily globe., 1883-05-29
DUGGAN DISCHARGED.

4
Such was the Disposition Made Last Night
of the Assistant Chief of the Fire Depart
ment-E. w. Htldebrand Elected his Sue
cessor-Routine Business Disposed of.
The board of fire commissioners conven-
ed in regular session last evening, Presi-
| dent Delano in the chair, and present full
| attendance.
Chief Black submitted the following cas-
es of neglect of duty and his action there
on: James Dorian and P. H. Smith, both
of which cases were excused. The report
was adopted.
The resignation of T. L. Cropley, third
| pipeman of engine company No. 3, was
presented through Chief Black and &C.
cepted.
| The committee on purchase reported
| that it had purchased one team of horses
for 5000; and set of harness. The latter
for engine company No. 3. The report
was adopted.
The committee on building was upon
motion of Commissioner Prendergast
continued, and instructed to take such
action as might be necessary to procure
the construction of a new engine house, for
which plans have been prepared.
The president reported that he had sent
to the mayor communication in reference
to the Casey matter; also a communica-
ton in the Leveredge matter. In the first
instance fine had been imposed, but in
the second case no action had as yet been
| taken.
Superintendent Jenkins asked for time
to secure some one in place of T. L.. Gross
ley, resigned, which was granted.
Reports OF a minor character were sub
mitted and appropriately disposed of, after
which the monthly pay roll of the depart
ment for the month of May, amounting to
| $4,75082, was introduced, approved and
ordered to be referred to the comptroller.
Bills for service, repairs, etc., amount
ing in the aggregate to $1,327.46 were
presented and referred to the comptroller.
Under the order of unfinished business
the suspension of Assistant Chief Duggan
was called up Commissioner Prendergast
suggested that in view of the previous good
conduct of the assistant chief, and this
being his first offence, that a reprimand
was all the punishment the accused deserv-
ed. He thereupon moved that a repri-
mand be administered.
Commissioner Parker was moved to
ask the chief if that would meet his views.
The chief replied that so far as he was
concerned, he had no further use for him.
Commissioner Prendergast repeated
that this was the first offense of the assist
ant chief, and it was no more than fair
that he should be reinstated. Other men
equally guilty as it was claimed he had
been, were rsprimanded, and there was no
occasion to make an exception in the case
under consideration.
Commissioner Parker thought if
Mr.. Duggan's services were
of no value to the chief
the best thing Mr.. Duggan could do was to
hand in his resignation.
For the purpose of bringing the matter
up and making its final disposition, the
president detailed the facts in the case al
ready recorded, and suggested that mo-
tion be made for the reinstatement or dis
charge of Mr.. Duggan.
Commissioner Hughson regarded the
matter as one of the most serious consid-
Grafton. He then went into brief history
of the st. Paul department, and the efforts
that had been and were making to bring it
up to the highest possible standard of ex-
cellence. To do this an inefficient chief
was legislated out of Office, and
the present incumbent appointed.
His services had been satisfactory, and so
long as he was in charge it was the duty of
subordinates to obey his orders or procure
services elsewhere. In view of these con-
siderations he should vote to ask Mr.. Dug
gan to send in his resignation.
Commissioner Prendergast felt as much
interest in the department as any of the
commissioners, but a great injustice was
being done Mr.. Duggan. The case was set
up, and he should vote to ask for Mr.. Dug
| gans resignation. If Mr.. Black had treat
ed Mr.. Duggan right this thing would
nsver have occurred. The chief, however.
didn't want him now, and never had want
ed him from the beginning. Such being
the case there was but one course left open
to Mr.. Duggan-that was to tender his res
| ignation.
The president in lengthy
speech adopted that view of the case ex-
pressed by the majority. In short he be-
lieved if Mr.. Duggan was re-instated it
would not be proper disposition of the
case. He regretted that the occur
renee had taken place, but glad that it had
happened at headquarters. to the end that
it might be shown how desirous the COM
missioners were to act for the public good
| without reference to the prominence OF
the party affected thereby. 1t was simply
business transaction. A chief had been
employed and was responsible to the city;
if subordinate could not obey him it was
time that he sought service elsewhere.
Commissioner Prendergast followed in
some further remarks, rejecting upon the
treatment that had been extended Mr..
Duggan by Chief Black and
spoke general y to the capacity and worth
of the gentleman waiting for the verdict.
Silence succeeded the remarks quoted
above. No one manifested desire or an
intention to take the initiative or make a
motion adverse to Duggan. The prospect
of bringing the matter to a focus was dis
couraging. Finally, Commissioner Hugh
son moved that Mr.. Duggan be requested
to send in his resignation. The motion
was seconded by Commissioner Parker.
The president, for reasons already stated,
declared he would vote against making any
such request.
| Commissioner Hughson thereupon with
drew his motion, and moved that Mr.,