The morning call., 1891-05-24
BRIBERY AND
NEGLECTED DUTY.
A Sensation Sprung in the Fire
Department.
The Trial Of Clerk Broad Of the Corporation
Yard Leads to Charges Of Corruption
Against His Predecessor.

During the meeting of the Board Of Fire
Commissioners yesterday the trial Of Charles
T. Broad, clerk Of the corporation yard, on
a charge Of neglect Of duty, took new and
sensational turn. George Maxwell, his
predecessor, who is now clerk of the COM
mission, was charged with accepting brides
while presiding over the affairs Of the cor
poration yard and suspended from duty.
Subsequently he was Teinstated pending an
investigation.
When the board convened at 10 o'clock
acting Chief Engineer Sullivan was re-
called and testified that on several occasions
Broad had been late in arriving at the cor
pJratiOn yard.
a. J. CIunie, the attorney Tor Broad, re-
peated his assertion that the charge against
Broad grew out Of spite. and threatened
that if not Withdrawn he would make reveal
tons that would startle the commission.
What Teyelations?" asked Chairman
Newman.
Well" added Clunie. SIT will be shown
that your own clerk is receiving 10 per cent
en- certain contracts for goods furnished the
Fire Department"
TALK OF A DOCUMENT
Commissioner Ames said that either Broad
or his attorney had a document tending to
show that the former clerk in the corpora
zion yard was receiving a commission OF 10
per cent on certain purchases.
Clunie did not deny that he had such
document, but said that he would introduce
only papers he desired to be read IN defense
Of his client.
When the excitement had somewhat cooled
down an adjournment was taken until 1
o'clock in the afternoon. During the recess
Sullivan fled charges against Maxwell,
who demanded an immediate investigation,
50 il was decided to give him one, and Mes
senger Spinnetti was called upon to act as
clerk Of the board
During the afternoon session the first wit
ness called was Sam Rainey, Superintend-
ent of Engines He said that Ciune had
told him there was paper IN existence to
show that Maxwell had received a commits
sion Of 10 Der cent on certain supplies.
Clunie was sworn as a witness. He sur
pTised every one present by declaring that
Sam Rainey controlled the Fire Depa t
ment and that he had Commissioners Ames
and Schmitt under his control Broad had
been given his position through the influence
Of Christopher A. Buckley, and 1t seemed
very strange that during the ex-boss' alb
sence an attempt should be made to GUST
Broad
CONTINGENT UPON BUCKLEY.
Clunie said he was willing that Broad
should write out his resignation and place it
in Newman's hands II Buckley, upon re-
turning, ordered Broad to retire, then be
would make no opposition to it. He knew
there was corruption in the department,
and If given time he would show ii up. He
had talked TO RaineJ in confidence, and, as
Rainey had brought the matter up, he felt
justified IN sitting 1t TO the bottom.
Schmitl and Ames denied the insinuatiOns
In chorus, and demanded that the inVestga-
ton pro eed.
Newman asked Clunie whether he had
ever talked to him.
Eyes" replied Clunie, 'you said there
was roItenness in the department and YOU
wanted to show it up"
Rainey was recalled and asked few ques-
tiOns by the Commissioners.
'Did you ever have any conversation with
me about place on this board?" asked
Ames.
yes, but you stated you did not desire to
be reapp0inted.
Broad was called upon to testify. but
Clunie advised him not to be sworn or to
answer any questions bearing on his own
case.
Broad took the oath. however, and testi-