The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1896-02-04
DISCHARGED FIREMAN PROTEST
Foreman Buckley Wants 90 Know
Why lie Was Fired.

The recent discharge Of four members
of the fire department by order OF the
fi-e commission, taken in connection with
other recent changes in other departments
OF the city, has caused considerable talk.
The friends of the discharged men. some
of whom had seen considerable service In
the department and had good records. are
charging that their discharge was due to
politics. and that there was nothing fur
ther against them than that they were on
the wrong side Of the fence I'm the recent
election. This was 10 be expected. OF
course. At the same time the stereotyped
phrase 'for the good Of the service" is
not likely to be accepted as a satisfactory
explanation Of the dismissal of men
whose records were good.
A city official, who disapprOved OF the
chahge, IN discussing the matter with
another city official, remarked that he
could give the reason for the discharge
OF the four men.
Inc law creating the fire commission
states specifically that dismissals and ap-
poinlments must be made on the recon-
mendaUOn OF the chief. Under the law
the changes should have been made on
the recommendations of Chief Mcguire.
James j. Buckley, one Of the men dis
charged, writes communication to the
Morning News. in which he charges that
ms dismissal was due to politics and
nothing else.
Mr. Quickly saw Chairman Grayson of
the IRE commission yesterday, he says,
ana demanded the reason for his dismiss
sal from the department. Mr.. GraysOn
replied that he was not at liberty to give
the reason, as the members of the com
mission were pledged not TO divulge what
takes place at their meetings. Mr.. Buck
ley says he then asked permission to go
before the commission as its next meet.
ing to demand the reason for his dis
charge, or to answer any charge that
might have been made against him, but
was told that this could not be allowed.
lie says In his communication:
Il have been for the last five years a
member Of the fire department, having
acted in the capacity of assistant foreman
OF the chemical engine since last October,
having been appointed by the fire commit
tee Of which Alderman Willink was chair
man, upon the recommendation of the
chief fireman. During the entire term of
service have endeavored to do my duty.
The condition of the engine house to-day
VIII show my ability; not only have /
done fire duty, but all of the
scription required since / came TO
the department. l thought until to-day
that my services were appreciated. If
there were other than political reasons for
my discharge l am not aware of il. No
complaints or charges Of any description
We're made against me. This can prove
by the chief, or my foreman If there
were any, ii certainly looks strange that /
was dismissed without a trial. This is
only subterfuge, however. The only
reason for my discharge is that my polit-
ical views did not agree with that of
the present administration. I challenge
the chairman of the board of fire commits
sioners, the chief fireman, or any one
connected with the city government to
publicly proclaim any charge or COM
plant made against me during my term
as a fireman. and that 1 have not per-
formed my duty in a satisfactory manner.
If they do not specify the charge or com
plant, If any were made, l respectfully
request the public to refuse to believe that
the statement as far as it relates to me-
is entirely correct or justified"
The statement taken exception to by
Mr.. Buckley is one credited TO Chairman
GraysOn of the fire committee in which
he is quoted as saying that there were
other than political reasons for the dis
charge of the four men.
Mr.. Buckley said that he will consult
counsel ana see if there are any legal steps
that can be taken TO compel the commits
sion to give the reasons for his dismissal.