The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1892-04-23
TRIAL OF FIREMEN.
The Board Investigates Three
Charges.
TWO SUSTAINED; ONE PENDING.
ellis and Gilbert Arc Dropped From,
the Roll-Farr's Case Taken
Under Amusement.

Inc IRE commissioners met last night al
headquarters, and after confirming the
appointment of A. r. Pinckney as super.
lntendent of the fire alarm system, they
devoted nearly three hours to investiga-
ton of charges against firemen. with the re-
suit that the chiefs action was sustained
IN every case. The mayor presided, and
Commissioners Kahaley, Foster, Masel
and Jones were present.
The board took the view that it must
confirm all appoin tments, and that course
was taken with r. Maidment as substitute
Lieutenant Maoe was transferred from
truck No. to engine No. 4, vice ellis;
Albert Forster promoted, J. Drulett, and
all the transfers.
r. E. Mccoy; on behalf Of st. Marks
church. applied for permission to use the
Queen Anne engine-house for religious
services until it is occupied. TWAS agreed
to. subject to notice by the board, when il
must be relinquished.
The board then took up the cases of men
who had asked for an investigation. The
first case was that of Robert ellis, who
had been dismissed for being absent for
more than twenty-four hours without
leave. 1t was his fourth offense, and he
had previously been reprimanded and
suspended. ellis asked why he had not
been dropped at the time he had been alb
sent for twelve days on a two days leave.
The chief said ne might thank Mr.. Eos
ter for that; he had made special plea for
him. Mr.. Kahaley also said that he had
interceded for him, and then told him it
would be his last chance. ellis admitted
that he had twice before been absent
without leave, but denied having been
drunk.
1t was decided that the dismissal OF
ellis be sustained.
J. Farr, who had been dropped" be-
cause he was not citizen, appeared in his
own behalf.
The mayor said he was not in doubt as
to Farr not being citizen, but the ques-
ton was VIII ether the chief knew it or not
year ago. If he did know it then, there
must be another motive.
The chief denied that he knew Farr was
not citizen until three weeks ago. No
fault had been found with Farr as fire.
man.
The mayor said he had in his pocket a
letter giving list which was supposed to
be blacklist. 1t included Farr, and the
mayor therefore felt interested in investi-
eating the matter. Another reason was
that gentleman had heard the chief say
lot of the men had tried to cut his
throat. and he would get even after cleo
ton.
Commissioner Foster said he took upon
himself whatever blame there was as to the
so-called 'black list" He had been given
list of men said to be working against
him; an hour after it was thrown in the
fire, and that was the end of it.
The commissioners all Joined the chief
in declaring Farr to be an excellent fire.
man, and his case was taken under ad-
vlsement.
Charles Gilbert was charged with in
subordination. Chris Miller, in reply to
questions, testified to some private mat
tiers.
NJ. F. Kelleher was examined; he said
Gilbert had remarked to him that he knew
some OF the Republicans had been cleo.
tioneering; Kelleher had replied that he
knew no such thing. He then related how
the men had voted for Tommy Jones,
saying he was all right, and Gilbert had
thereupon said the chief would fire some
of them for voting the Democratic ticket.
Kelleher had told Gilbert that those who
were carrying lies to the Democratic paper
were - dirty ''stinkers."
Captain Gillian was examined, and q
question arose as to whether Gilbert dis.
liked Kellogg. but the chief said he
thought that was quite immaterial; he
did not care whether the men liked him
or not, so long as they didn't foment mis-
chief. Gilbert said he had nothing against
the chief, but he thought NARROW had il
in for him.
Gilbert made a statement to the effect
that he had heard it talked around that
there was to be a reorganization of the de-
partment. He thought some of those
who had worked for the Democratic ticket
would be let out.
In reply to Foster, he said neither he
nor any other commissioner or officer had
ever suggested or limited how any fireman
should vote; nor had any remark ever
been made to influence him.
Captain ]. J. Sullivan testified that he
had remarked there were some men in the
department who should not be in, and
Commissioner Foster had shown him a
list and said some of those would have
to go.
The "black list" was produced by the
chief, with the explanation that 1t was an
entire list made out at the request of a re-
porter of the Telegraph, and was intended
for publication. 1t was complete list OF
the department, showing nativity, poll
tics. etc.
1t showed thirty Republicans and forty
three Democrats. 1t did not transpire in
evidence, but when it was discovered that
there were so many more Democrats than
Republicans the Telegraph seems 10 have
had no use for it, and it was not published.
The action of the chief in striking Gill
bert from the roll was sustained. The
mayor dissented; he thought Gilbert
should be disciplined; but the commits
sioners took the ground that no good
could be done by reinstating Gilbert, as
there was undoubted ill-feeling. Gilbert
has never before been reprimanded, and
he has good position open.
The board adjourned after general talk
over department matters.
Another Fire Insurance Co. Quits.
Another Pacific coast fire insurance