The Salt Lake herald. [volume] (Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1870-1909, 1897-02-16

The session of the fire and police
board last night took an interesting
turn when, instead of taking some ac-
ton relative to the retention or dis
missal of Chief Devine. based on the
testimony already produced at the in
vestigation, the board ordered the in
vestigation to proceed still further. No
member offered any objections to Sc
curing further light on the subject.
This was probably wise decision, for
some very important testimony was
brought out during the examination
that followed.
Captain Samuel NJ. DOnnell, manager
of the board of underwriters Tor Utah'
stated implicitly that insurance rates
were high in this city because OF the
poor management of fires. He also ac-
knowledged having received instruc-
tions from all the principals of the
insurance companies relative to rates,
but refused to say in so many words
whether the rates would be increased,
although his answers strongly lndl-
Gated that such action was contem-
plated.
Mayor Glendinning was among the
witnesses who testified that the Scott
: Auerbach fire was very poorly man
mony of several eye-witnesses to the
fire, and Captain Bywater. who worked
under the chief. Tonight the board
viii meet again and all the officers of
the department will then be examined.
UNANIMOUS ON ONE POINT.
After the routine business had been
cleared OFF the table the members be-
gan to discuss the investigation. Din
inny intimated his desire TO proceed
further and was supported by Noble
and Grant. Cohn, who acts as coun-
sci for Devine, didn't raise any partic-
ular objection. They then discussed
the advisability of calling in the fire
men TO testify.
Grant did not think it wise for the
reason there was so much pickering
and strife among the members of the
force and it might make things worse.
THAT is news TO me- said Cohn.
Noble believed the commission
should go to the bottom OF the mat
ter. Il understand that on the strength
of the belief that the board has ceased
to investigate any further. the insur
ance people are now looking into the
matter
Cohn did not object to an investiga-
ton. but he wanted it So arranged
that all witnesses be sworn. That
could not be done unless charges were
preferred against the chief
CO Adl dS lAtoAl AOAlANlllCQ ditA
ready to vote on the subject tonight"
volunteered Grant.
We'll, l think we should investigate
this very fully" said Dininny. If the
chief is incompetent we should know
II and dismiss him. If. competent. we
-should know it"
In this strain the discussion went
on for some time until finally Noble
suggested that the taking of evidence
be proceeded with.
Now, Mr.. Chairman. 1 want the
chief to be present" demanded Conn
i think he is entitled to hear the tes-
timony."
That is a question for the board to
decide" joined in Mr.. Grant. IF a
majority want the chief 1 guess he can
come
Well you can certainly have no OBJ
iections2"
Grant, think 1 nave a voice in this
board as well as you, Mr.. Cohn. 1 do
object
At this juncture Captain Donnen
,Scame in and Dininny went over and
held conversation with him in an
undertone. Captain Donnell evidently
did not like it for he spoke out rather
loudly and deGantly:
I came here because l was re
queSted. l don't know what is wanted
of me. The insurance men are making
no threats; that is not their way of
doing business. We will run our bust
ness to suit our interests The CITY
can do as it Dleases."
Commissioner Dininny resumed his
chair and Captain Donnell was placed
on the stand.
CAPTAIN DONNELL ON INSUR4
ANCE RATES.
Captain Donnen after informing the
board of his position. enlightened them
on the point that il was his duty TO
fix the insurance rates for the entire
state; the rates varied according to the
increase or decrease of fire hazard
Has fire hazard increased in this
city, asked Dininny.
i don't think that is a fair Ques-
ton" was the reply.
Rates have been increased during
the past two or three years, have they
not2'
They nave"
"How much?"
u cannot say"
Are the members Of the board of
underwriters making any investiga-
tion in connection with the Scott
Auerbach fire."
They are. A committee was ap-
pointed at a recent meeting for such
a purpose. However. that is some
thing with which 1 have nothing to
do
Z Have you. as manager of the board,
t1Seceived any Instructions from your
iSincipals, the insurance companies,
Since the recent fre2'
l. I have"
will you state what they are?''
No, sir: hat is a matter of private
concern. I will say, however, they
are Of a nature to govern me in fixing
rates.
BASED on these instructions. has
there been raise in ratesT
No raise has been made yet
HAVE CAUSE FOR COMPLAINT. |
Now / want to ask you, captain. in
your observation in connection with the /
manner of conducting fires in this city
during the past three years, do you !
think the insurance men have cause |
for complaint"
Il think they have
! DO you think they have a just |
\ sause for compaint as to the chiefs |
Emethod or system of inspecting busi-
ness blccks?"