The Daily bulletin. [volume] (Honolulu [Hawaii]) 1882-1895, 1891-12-08
ELECTION OF ENGINEERS.
ASCH'S AMBITION AS5uAGED.
He Carries "a Close COItcst for the
Command - Hun, and Kaiawaia
Trium phautjy Selected Assistants

julius ksch was elected yesterday
evening as Chief Engineer of the
Honolulu Fire Department for two
years, by a majority of fifteen over
Robert More in total vote of PSI.
J. ii. Hunt and ID. L. Kalawaia, on
Mr.. Aschs ticket, were elected by
large majorities over J. W. Melon
aid and William Keawe as First and
Second Assistant Engineers, respect
lively.
1t was a hard-fought campaign on
both sides, and for once the wise
ones were right when they predicted
a close contest, especially for Chief.
The fremen behaved admirably
throughout. In all the meetings
where both sides met there was no
bitter language to report, no brawl
between persons or groups to deplore.
mo personalties" was the rigid
rule for every joint meeting.
Both contestants for the supreme
position stood high in the estimation
of the Department for long, honor.
able and devoted services. Still Asch
had decided advantage from the
start. He held powerful sympathy
for ha, ing made fine fight for the
place the previous election, when
Wilson beat him by only eleven
votes. AT that time he pluckily adj
dressed the victors and the vanquish-
ed, saying he would be to the front
for another trial next time. FRY,
try again" was his motto and he
succeeded. His campaign really be-
gan at his previous defeat. 1t was
his good fortune TO secure the first
nomination, and a belief that he
would get the solid vote of the Chi
nese company further strengthened
him.
Robert More, on the other hand,
had the distinct disadvantage of be-
ing judged by everything but his
merits as master mechanic, a vete-
ran fireman, an efficient foreman,
and man thoroughly acquainted
with the steam fire engines. His
proved capacity for commanding
men in the excitement of fires and
his mechanical skill were points that
should have made him the spon-
taneous choice for Chief under ordi-
nary circumstances. His misfortune
was that he was dealt with, not as
practical fireman, but as an admins
trationlst. He was regarded as
firm supporter of the administration
of the Department throughout sew
eral previous terms. Discomfort had
been steadily cultivated against the
administration, which cultivated lately
in strong controversy between Chief
Wilson and leading members of the
Board of Representatives. Robert
More had to stand the brunt of this
discomfort, and the little scene at
last meeting of the Board gave his
prospects of election the deathblow.
That the discomfort referred to was
largely Fictitious is proved by the
praise bestowed ON Mr.. Wilson's
handling of the Department by the
candidates OF the so-caled "equal
rights" and the cheers of the liremen
whenever his name was mentioned
from a joint platform.
Anyway, Mr.. Asch has won the
contest and deserves all his honors.
His best endeavors will doubtless be
to give a conscientious administra-
ton of the Department.
When the intense excitement of
the closing day of the campaign con-
centrated at the polls in the evening,
hundreds of people joined the fire.
men in the streets close to the Bell
Tower. There was great activity on
both sides in bringing up tardy
voters, and, as will be seen by the
figures, very heavy vote was polled.
J. II. Lovejoy Of No. secured the
distinction of polling the first vote at
6 80. John Kealoha of the Fire
Police, few moments before the
poll closed at 8, deposited the last
ballot cast. There was much cheer
ing and counter cheering, besides a
good deal of native oratory, during
the voting, but scarcely an angry
word was heard An alteration be-
tween two prominent politicians,
neither of them voters, was the
nearest approach to disturbance.
The counting was conducted expedi
tiously by the sheriff of election,
Mr.. Henry Smith, and his tellers,
and at 20 minutes to 10 the result
was announced as follows:
FOR CHIEF ENGINEER.
Jullus Ascn ,,...,.,..,.,. l4S
Robert More. ..,. ...,...... 1873
Total votes cast. ........ 2S1
Majority FIR ASch IL