The Portland daily press., 1886-07-10
ECHOES OF THE CENTENNIAL.
The Chief Engineer of the Fire. De
partment in i943.
To the Editor of the Press.

To the Editor Of the Press:
Hon. Neal Dow was Chief Engineer Of the
Fire Department of Portland for five or six
wears. Courageous, muscular active, pos
sessing great executive ability, with prompt
decision, he was eminently fit for the posi-
tion. He possessed those qualities that made
him respected by, and popular among the
fremen.
AS his time became more and more occu-
pied in the temperance cause its enemies
sought every occasion to injure him.
We remember that a County Temperance
Society was held in North Bridgeton one
summer, by the invitation of Rev. Mr.. Har-
ris, who was pastsr of the Congregational
church. Instead Of going directly to the
meeting, Mr.. Dow proposed that we should
take his horse and carriage ten days earlier
than the convention, and visit some towns In
the valley Of the Androscoggin. We cannot
name with certainty the year or the towns
visited, but our impression is that we visited
Danville, Greene, Turner, Livermore, Can
ton, Peru, Rumford, Bethel and Albany
Meetings had been arranged all along the
route, and we had large audiences and de-
lightful trip. We reached North Bridgton at
the opening Of the session, but there was
great excitement among the people in conse-
quence of an uproar by the anti-temperance
men of Portland, because there were so many
fires, and the Chief Engineer away We had
hardly seen paper from the city since leav-
ing. On learning the situation, Mr.. Dow
left at once for home. 1t was supposed these
fires we're incendiary, arranged for the sole
purpose OF lnJuring the Chief Engineer. How
kI...A 10
tain petitions were drawn up by the rum
sellers and signed by themselves and their
customers for his removal, and presented to
the Board Of Aldermen. The names of some
respectable citizens were attached to these
petitions without their knowledge or consent.
As an instance. H. J. Little and Benz. Fogg
sent communications to the Board on March
14th, stating that their names were forgeryl
The Advertiser of 1843 contains several
notices of the meetings Of the Board Of AL
dermen to consider the prayer of the petit
tionerS.
At meeting of the Board on the evening
of Feb. 23d, some witnesses on the part OF
the petitioners were examined. Mr.. Abiel
Somerby stated his objections to the defend
ant at some length but refusing to reply to q
question propounded by the defendants
counsel his whole testimony was. ruled out.
r. A. S. Goldman, Esq, was for the petition
ers, and F. 0. j. Smith, Esq. for the defen-
dant.
Mr. Dow opened his own case, reviewing
his official conduct at the principal fires, and
meeting all the objections that had been
raised. He occupied the attention OF his
hearers till nearly 103 o'clock.
On the evening of the 9th another meet
ing was held. 1t had been charged that the
Chief Engineer was held in disrepute by
some OF the temperance societies. Letters
were read and resolutions that had been
passed, from the Portland Temperance Soci-
ty and the Washingtonian T. A. Society.
The latter charged that the reports were
I 49,
sympathiZed and made common cause with
him in this persecution. This disposed OF,
Francis Loring, VIM. Capen. Simeon Hall,
VIM Robinson, John Goold were called up
on, all members of the fire department. All
testified to his capacity, skill and good judg-
ment as Chief Engineer.
On the evening of March 4th, several pa
pers were read from men OF excellent stand
ing in favor Of Mr.. Dow, one signed by for
ty-seven officers and members Of the Depart
ment. They said the charges were false,
and that the Department was never more
united and efficient than at that time, and
that his removal would produce the most Sc
ri0us results.
March 6, Capt John S. Wilson was re-
called, and charged that some Of the wit
nesses were guilty of prejury.
March another meeting was held with
like results.
March 10, more witnesses were introduced.
1t is said Mr.. Goldman called upon Mr.. Amos
G. Warren, and knowing him to be unfriend-
ly to the temperance workers, was confident
of an opinion I'd favor Of the petitioners.
Mr.. Warren, had shown his love of the truth,
under like circumstances before. and he de-
clared that one might go far and search dill
gently before he could find such capable
chief The advocate for the petitioners was
astounded, and with indignation he ordered
him to step one side.
Finally the petitioners produced witness
that was SIRE. He made serious charges as
to the arbitrary character of the Chief Engi-
neer and declared that he had ordered him to
posts of danger that were cruel and inhuman.
Give an instance" said the counsel for the
petitioners.
''On the last fire, on Fore street, near I'm
ion street, where the flames had crossed a
narrow alley, he ordered me to take my pipe
into the alley and put out the fire just
ibid you obey?"
81 did not"
"Why did you refuse?"
Because it was very dangerous"
did he knock you DOWN.
''No"
'What did he do"
''He snatched the pipe out of my !
and rushing into the alley he put out
flames himself!'
This was too much for Mr.. Goldman. He
arose in indignation, crumpled up the papers
he had on the table, and informed the Board
that in consequence of certain strong prelu-
dices existing among a large class IN the
community and foreseeing how futile 1t was
to obtain a correct decision as TO the merits
of the case entrusted to him, he would with
draw all further proceedings. He accord
ingly took his hat and left
The Board met on the 14th and 18th and
then disposed of the case by giving the petit
TONERS leave to withdraw q. III. 5.