New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1888-07-09
WHOLESALE STEALING AT 4 FIRE.

Earl. & WILSON FOLLOW UP THEIR JAM.
TORS CHARGES AGAINST THE TWO FIRE
MEN
Chief John J. Bresnan, Of the 9th Battalion OF the
Fire Department and Foreman Charles H. Shay. Of Engine
Company engaged yesterday investigating
the charges Of stealing made by John 5. Little coored
man. employ OF Earl Wilson. against the fremen
Of Foreman Shays company. Earl wilson occupy the
fourth floor Of The Century Building, No SO East
Scyenecnthst whore the destructive fire Of Saturday
morning occurred The ncmen had been relieved from
duty at > n. m Little, accompanied by Frank Wilson
Of the firm Of Earl Wilson TO the engine house
Of NO a. on SATURDAY afternoon informed Foreman
Shay that between II and o'clock that day, hearing
noise In the rear Of Earl Wilson's store he hal ds
covered nremen Of Company No. H. william . Con-
nor and Joseph Keegan helping themselves to collars
and cuffs from broken boxes; their bouses 81
ready buglng with supposed plumber; that
he had accused an1 followed them
that on the way they offered him - each he would
take the stuff back the and -ay nothing about
IT. that he had refused and they had escaped him. pass
Ing through door East Eiehteenh-st that shortly
aftorwai Kocgan had cappearcd, and Lde got police
him and taks him to the Thirticth street
Police Station where he was discharged Little menti-
fed OConnor who in the cncinchouse, as the other
man. quantity OF collars and cuffs bearing Earl &
Wilson'S trade mark had been gathered up In the rear
Of the building. in East Eghtcenth-st, through
which the nrcmen passed in getting away from Little,
and had been returned
Chief Brcsnan said that he and Foreman Shay had
but their progress had been slow, witnesses hard
to End on Sunday O'Connor and Keegan strenuously
deny the and say that they prove abb They
have each about years with the department. and
have borne good regulations Chief Bresnan said that
Investigation had been ordered ty the Fire Com
mlssorcrs, proceeding under the rules OF the
Department The accused men have been relieved from
duty.
George Doppcl, in Earl & Wilson'S employ SAID yes
tcrday that robbery far exceeded by the
pllaging that done during the fire. Doppel said
Zen twelve boxes at least were broken open and
dozens Of collars and cuffs stolen do not say that
stealing done by lrcmen; perhaps others took a
hand"
Arthur r. Wilson OF the Grm, corroboratcd Doppcrs
statement. feel it my duty" said Mr.. Wilson, to
sift this natter and pursue the guilty parties. More
splendid work was never done by the NewYork nremen
than that OF Saturday morning Their work and skill
saved building and hundreds OF thousands OF dollar
1t unfortunate that these gallant men should he
smrchcd uy the Gisgaceiu Of few OF their number
nothing for the value OF what taken but II the
Fire Department fail In their duty, do ours.
would pay $1,000 cash haa prosecute these men,
but justice to public makes It necessary We have
every confidence in Ltte's statement lie has been
faithful cml loye Of ours FOR ten years"
Sergeant sheldon who was be ind the desk when Kcega
was brought the Thirtch-st sta ion, said yesterday
that he hal Kocean carefully searched No collars mo-
CUTS were upon him, ana the sergeant discharge
him for want Of evidence. Chief Biesnan expects t
make his report Of the to-day.
President Henry d. Pursoy Of the Fire Department
has addressed tho following letter to Eai Wilson:
In reference to the accusations OF theft' from
your premises. made against two ot he hrmen Of thl
department, d'>to to state thai the FIRE Commissioner
ii. equally anAious with yourself 10 ascertain Ia" eAac
face ia she ease, In order that proper action hay d.
promptly taken.
Ny special object in writing = to notify YOU that
careful iauuly the matter VIII bo mad on Wt.uc-
dly ncNt and urge that Sou will De- good enough &
interest yourtef ia haNiny presented % the Board %
IrH commissioners AL Oh" la 60 In Yout possession,
Nhl D. you uaY bo anit nr.i.t.ue - procure
l.rru.ra kcc-la AMI tNoguur positively deny On
charge, mal, against tnom. hul the upon the part
Gfriaca ,liou, accusation that have dlfectc
tho Ihrl 81 .plrtnrnt tp suspend them from dut
pending tine rc,ul, u Wednesday, investigation.