The San Francisco call., 1897-07-30
Mayor Thomas Speaks Of
the Changes in Fire and
Police Circles.
Being Urged by Republicans to
Give Patronage on Strict
Party Lines.
A. M, Benham Declares He Would
Not Have Any Place in
the City Hall.
OAKLAND OFFICE SAN Francisco CALL, J


908 Broadway. July %.
According to the statement OF Mayor
Thomas. made to-day, there will soon be
some importont changes in the Fire
Department and in the Police Department.
The matter was brought to climax by
the resolution of Councilman Girard
introduced last Monday night.
The present effort to have changes made
in these departments is almost entirely a
political one and is based on the principle
that to the victors belong the spoils. The
fight is really on this issue.
Chief Fair is probably no less efficient
than many other fire chiefs who have pre-
ceded him, for with Oakland's custom of
putting in men who are not fremen every
two years this city does not expect effici-
ency, but he was put in Office by the Nom
Partisan administration that was practi-
caliy beaten out last city election by the
regular Republicans. This renders him
persona non erata TO the rank and file OF
the Republican party, although he has
many strong friends who so far have
retained him in office.
With Chief Lloyd of the Police De-
partment the situation is much the same.
No one has been able to say that he has
not attended to his duties and made a
good Chief, but he is a;pronouncsd Popu-
list and naturally not pleasant for Re-
publican office-seekers TO look upon.
There are many who would like his place
and because of their work along party
lines they think they are entitled TO it.
Among those who believe that the
offices should be filled by straight out Re-
publicans are several mem bers of the
Grand Army. They feel particular in
censed at Mayor Thomas, who is a promi-
nent veteran, and this feeling was carried
so far on the Fourth of July that many
old soldiers refused to turn out because
the Mayor was in line.
This matter is one that it is difficult
to handle" said the Mayor Today. There
are many cool Republicans who think the
changes ought TO be made, put it is not
easy to decide upon the people to fill the
positions. 1t Is certainly necessary 10
make a change in the Fire Department. 1t
seems impossible TO re-establish discipline
there unless there is a change. There is
not so much need of change in the Po-
lice Department, but Chief Lilo yd is a
Populist, and many Republicans think a
party man should fill the office There is
nothing definite decided upon, but do
not think 1t will be long before there Is a
change"
Councilman Earl is also earnestly work
ing to bring about change along party
lines, and has expressed his wishes 10 the
Com missioners. Mayor Thomas and City
Attorney Dow form the Republican rn "a
jority on the board. AS Mr. Dow has gone
on record as favoring the present chiefs,
the changes will have to be made by the
Mayor and City Engineer Clement.
The first blow at Chief Fair was struck a
few days ago, when he was forbidden 10
put on any men as substitutes without the
sanction of the board.
A statement having been published this
morning that A. M. Benham, the partner
of Mayor Thomas. was TO be the next
Chief of Police, Mr.. Benham tonight
made public the following statement:
My name was mentioned in a morning pa
per in connection with the Office of Chief of
Police. 1 will repeat what Isaid when was
booked by the newspapers for M. Miller's