The herald., 1896-12-31
Two of the Boys Before the
Commissioners
LET OFF WITH A REpRIMAND
The Closing Session Of the Board Was
Very Harmonious
Courtesies Extended All Round, With
an Eloquent Speech by the Chief.
City Hall Notes.

The fire commissioners sat as court
of inquiry yesterday morning to pass on
the case of William Barry, driver OF hose
cart No. 4, charged with being intoxi-
Gated while on duty and John Rohrer'
engineer of company No. 6, for taking
telephone alarm wrong. Mayor Raoer
presided, and Commissioners Vetter'
Kuhrts and Bolts were present. Ine
new mayors clerk, Robert A. TODD, OIL
ciated as secretary.
Barry was first heard. He admitted
that he had been slightly intoxicate1
at the time charged. Some frlends had
come out from the east and 1t was IN
celebrati ting their arrival that he hao
got over the line. He had not taken
drink for four years, and 1t was proba-
blv due to this fact that the compare
tiyely small amount taken had the effect
1t did. AS Barry had a good record as
a faithful fireman, and promised not to
sin any more his case was dismissed
with reprimand.
In the case of Rohrer 1t was shown
that a mistake had been made, but no
blame attached to anyone, and the case
was dismissed. On the motion of Com
missioner Vetter the department in
general was again adnonished to ex-
ercise the greatest care in taking
alarms, telephone or otherwise.
A letter was read from the Babcock
Fire Extinguisher company asking to be
allowed to build a semi-trussed instead
OF a full-truss ladder for the new truck
On motion the communication was filed.
and the company was instructed to build
the truck according to the plans and
specifications.
The petition of j. w. Varley to be al
lowed to erect and maintain steam
boiler and engine at his laundry at No.
213 East Fifth street, was granted on
the favorable report of the chief
The chief reported that he had re-
quested the manager of the Traction
company to instruct the motormen to
"slow. up" when approaching the new
engine house on Hill street. AS an alarm
is liable to be turned in at any time,
this is necessary for the protection both
OF the passengers and the firemen. A
communication was read from Mr..
Hook, stating that he had given the
necessary orders.
structed to submit to the board plans
for an automatic signal by which cars
could be warned that an alarm had
been turned in.
Rudolph Fritz applied for position in
the department The application was
filed.
The usual acquisitions and demands
were read and approved
This closed the business of the Old
board, and the usual interchange of
courtesies, commonly known as tossing
the bouquets" followed. His honor the
mayor, led off, paying high tribute to
the commissioners and the chief, wind
ing up by stating that he considered that
Los Angeles had now the best fire de.
partment in it's history. Commissioner
Vetter spoke briefly, and then the chief
engineer, with tears in his voice, gave
ore of his characteristic addresses.
Commissioners Kuhrts and Bolts also
SPOKE briefly. the latter gentleman pay
ing a graceful compliment to the re-
porters. Mayor RAIDER then passed
around cigars, after which Commission
er Kuhrts, as the oldest member of the
board, invited the boys out.