The morning call., 1891-11-23
WHITE HATS ANXIOUS
Impending Changes in the Fire
Department.
War Declared Against the Kelly Grim minis
Machine-The Governor Expected to Ap-
point New Commissioners.

The struggle for the control of the Fire
Department is becoming both heated and
duplicated. 1t is now claimed by some of
the parties interested in effectng change
OF administration that the terms of Fire
Commissioners Newman, Martin and Par
sons will expire the first Monday in De-
cember.
Samuel Brown has been appointed New
mans successor by the Supervisors. but the
Governor as yet has not announced Parsons
follower, although the knowing ones say he
wilt do so some time next week.
Much speculation is INDUCED in as to
whom he will appoint, as there are several
asprants for The positions and their friends
are taking great interest in urging their
claims.
1t is intimated that who ever are selected
will be out and for Kelly ana Crmmins
1t was said yesterday that a well-known
underwater. and popular old fireman,
were likely to be appointed, as this would
result in breaking up the fire ring.
1t is well known that two or more of the
present assistant engineers are to go. Among
them is John McCarty, Familiarity
known as "The Bear" who has
been in his present position for many
years. Thomas Sands is said to be
slated for Assistant Engineer. He held that
position four years ago. but having aided
Crlmmins in his fight for Senator things
were made so warm for him that he re-
signed to avoid being discharged. Grim
mems in return for his work in that fight
Will see that Sands again wears the white
hat. Beyond this little is known of the
"slate" that Is said TO have been prepared.
Whether Parsons will retire without a
contest is question. Some say he will hold
on long enough to participate in the making
of some important changes and then retire
The rumor that the Governor will appoint
n full Board Of Fire Commissioners appears
to be generally believed by tie politicians,
one of whom said Yesterday that if the ex-
ecutive appoints full board he will know
what he is doing ana his appontees will
be square men, who will go ahead
and ignore old hold overs, discharge
any officer who refuses to obey or recognize
them, appoint their successors, and lei the
decapitated take their woes to the courts,
which would be an effective way of obtain
ing an early hearing and a speedy decision,
suing for their seats.
In the past the contests of the Commits
sioners for their offices have resulted in
prOtracted litigation. but it is held that if
the positions of officers of the departm ent
were questioned, public welfare would re-
quire immediate action by the courts, or
the department would be demoralized by
the struggle between rival claimants. Gov
ernor Mark hams private Secretary is in
town, and ii is thought that his presence
here has something to do with the impend-
ing changes. Nothing could be learned
from him, however, as he saw fit to dodge
the reporters.
Commissioner Martins friends say tia,
he has no fear of annihilation, as his term
of Office does not expire this year. More
over, it is claimed for him that his love for
Phil Crimmins has grown cold, and when
that eminent statesman passes by, Mr..
Martin endeavors, to be on the other side of
the street. For this reason Martins friends
think he should be looked upon with a
friendly eye by Crimmins' enemies.