The record-union., 1896-06-05
YOUNG MEMS CIVICS CLUB.
Debate on the Fire Department Matters
Finished.
The Club Finally Decides That the
Mayor Should Have Full Power
of Appointing.

The Young Mems Club Of Civics held
its regular meeting last night, there be-
ing a good attendance, President Wein-
stock presiding.
A communication from A. E. Miller
was read, regretting his inability to
be at the meeting and saying that ne
had felt for some time that there was
something radically wrong in the char
ter which permitted the abuse of office
that has been exhibited for the past
few months in relation to the appoint
ment of city officials. At the same
time, he did not think it wise that the
Mayor should have exclusive power to
appoint He therefore suggested as
an amendment that the Mayor should
appoint all officers of the city whose
election or appointment is not other
wise provided for by law or in the
charter and submit the same to the
Board Of Trustees, who may, by two
thirds vote, reject the nominee.
The communication was placed on
file.
J. A. Woodson, for the Committee on
Fire Department, asked that his re-
port be taken up.
The first amendment to the present
law was to give the Trustees control of
the organization of the department, but
taking from them the control of the
government and discipline Of the de-
partment.
Mr.. Woodson said it was not just to
bold the Mayor responsible for the dis
cipline and conduct of the department
and yet take from him all control Of it,
1t is the old attempt to mingle the two
coordinate branches Of the govern
ment that has always brought failure,
through divided responsibility. The
amendment gives the board control by
and with the consent of the Mayor.
Another amendment prohibits the re-
moval of a member of the department
without the trial of charges against
him. 1t is intended to apply civil serv-
ice rules to the department, so that
good men may not be ousted at the
pleasure of a new board, which wants
his place for someone else.
The next amendment aboliSheS the
reporting monthly by the Chief En-
gineer to the Trustees and substitutes
a provision that the Mayor shall trans
NIT the report to the Trustees. with
advice on the subject. This will do
away with the conflict Of jurisdiction
heretofore existing.
The next section, 144, also strikes out
the Board of Trustees and substitutes
the Mayor to receive the Chief Engi-
neers annual report.
The amendment suggested to Section
149 was to add a chemical engine and
company, instead of leaving the Trus
tees to be the judges of its necessity.
President Weinstock objected that
there might at some time arise some
thing better than a chemical engine
and the city be still forced to carry the
chemical engine, but Mr.. Woodson
pointed out that the provision was in
serted that it should be so until other
wise provided by the Board OF Trustees.
The amendments were all adopted,
finishing the discussion on this depart
ment.
The subject was then taken up of the
Mayors appointments, the motion be-
ing that the Mayor should appoint
all officers not otherwise provided for.
Mr.. Arnold offered as an amendment
that the Mayor should make all ap
pointments of officers not othrwise pro-
vided for, subject to the rejection by a
majority of the Board of Trustees by
open ballot.
Mr.. Woodson offered the amendment
of Mr.. Miller as a substitute for Mr..
Arnold's amendment.
Mr.. Beckwith favored the substitute
Mr.. Ekins asked whether 1t was nee
cssary to submit the appointment to
the Trustees.
Mr.. Woodson said he thought the club
had shifted it's position. If this amend
nent passes it will undo all the work
on the fire department.
Mr. Weinstock said the club had not
changed position, but the question had
been opened again in order to give
some members chance to advance
their ideas on the subject
Mr.. Woodson said in that case he
would move to table both amendments,
as all authority was against the min
Cling Of authority, ex-President Har-
rison and others, acknowledged to be
the highest authorities on the subject.
Every corrupt board is in favor of cur
failing the Mayors powers. Why
should a check be put upon the Mayor,
who comes directly from the people,
rather than on the Trustees, who only
represent a small portion Of the people
those in their wards. He would like
TO have any member cite an instance
OF a Mayor who had been so corrupt