The morning call., 1891-05-14
WHERE'S THE MONEY 4?
Was the Charity Fund Used for
Political Purposes

Reports of alleged crOOkedDess in the
management of the Flremen's Charitable
Fund, and the determination by the Board
of Supervisors to investigate, have caused
considerable commUtOn in Fire Department
circles.
Chairman Ellert Of the Finance Commit
tee received the following report yesterday
from Expert Williams:
SAN FRANCISCO, May II. 1891.
I. r. Et{ert, Chairman Finance committee
SIR AS instructed by you, | To-Day called on
Mr. Maxwell, clerk of the Fire Commissioners,
and asked for the books Of the San francisco
Paid Fire Department Charitable Fund, for the
puruOSe OF examining them.
Mr.. Maxwell declined TO exhibit them. He &C.
knOwledged that they were in his custody but
claimed that they were the books OF private
institution, and that, therefore, the Board OF
Supervisors had no right 10 examine them lie
said further that ''by order OF the Board OF
Firemen the funds OF the society had been
placed in The hands of John DougherIy for legal
expenses"
he informed me that the officers of the society
are: President David Scannelli Treasurer NJ.
j. DOlan; Secretary, L. F. McKiltrick saw
Mr. DolAn and was refused permission TO see
/ called on John Dougherty and he acknowl-
edged having received these funds, but declined
10 tell me The amount, MIR. Maxwell showed me
bis own books and vouchers. From these |
gather that he las paid the Treasurer al the
luud from February 1889 TO date, from Police
$3.50; fremen contributions. Sl2,70S; total,
81 5,21O 90, with $3.50 hand from licenses.
The firemen contribute 81 monthly and eceiye
$40 uer week during sickness. Yours respect
fully, CYRIL WILLIAMS.
MIR. Ebert at once requested the Mayor to
call special meeting Of the board. which
was done, and there were present Superyi-
s0rs Jackson, Burling. Curtis, Aver. Ellert,
Carnes, Coffey and HeyeT. The following
resolution was adopted unanimously aud
without discussion:
WHEREAS. The Board Of Fire Commissioners
has eques ed this board 10 investigate the con
GitlOn anG affairs OF tile charitable fund OF the
Fire Department. aud determine what action IS
necessary 10 keep said fund for the purpose for
which II was Instituted; and whereas, II appears
that The fluid 10 which the city aud county con-
tributes Is held IN such manner as 10 jeopat DIE
its safety, and the SO-caed officers OF said fund,
members OF the Fire Department, refuse 10 allow
an inspection OF The books and accounts, There
fore,
ResoIred. That the Finance Committee OF this
board be ana are hereby empowered 10 make
searching inquiry Into the management aud dis
position or said fund, and TO examine under oath
all parties who may have any kUUWledge OF said
fund, aud require tie production Of ali books and
accounts relating o said fund, so that the same
may be thoroughly examined.
ReSOtTed, That until further orders OF this
board no fees collected for permits for the stOr-
age and sale OF fireworks, or fines collected for
the violation Of any 81 the general orders OF this
board. shall be paid to The san Francisco Paid
Fire Department Charitable uud.
EeSO(Ued, hat the Chief Engineer Of the Fire
Depa-t meDt, the Clerk OF the Board Of Fire Com
mlSsioHers, and all other officers who have any
duly 10 perform IN reference to the collection,
car- or custody of said permits or fines, are here
by required 10 take uOtiee of and comply with
the provisions OF this resolution.