The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1897-07-13
THE TESTIMONY CONCLUDED.
INVESTIGATING COMMITTEE WILL
CONSIDER THE EVIDENCE.


ent-The Evidence to BE Typewrit-
ten and Submitted to the Commit
tee-More Witnesses Testify to
Misconduct on the Part of the
Chief-FOremnn jeremiah Murphy
of Chemical Company No. 1 Sus-
pended.
The taking of evidence In the investlga-
tion of charges against Fire Chief Mcguire
was concluded yesterday afternoon by the
investigating committee of council. There
is nothing to prevent the reopenin6 Of
the investigation, however for the pur-
pose Of taking further evidence.
The evidence, which has been taken in
shorthand by the mayors stenographer,
MIR. F. NJ. Patton, viii be typewriter.
The committee adjourned subject to the
call of the chairman. 1t will be called
together as soon as the evidence is ready
for consideration.
Nearly all of the witnesses who were
put on the stand yesterday had been there
before, and the evidence chiefly brought
out minor points already alluded to in
the investigations The testimony of Mr..
Michael Hanley as to the intoxication of
Chief Mcguire on the night of Sept p
last confirmed the statements Of previous
witnesses.
w. d. Claiborne, superintendent of the
fire a.arm telegraph was the first witness
put on the stand. He was called upon to
explain the difference between the pres
ent fire alarm system and that of several
years ago when Mr.. j. f. Cullom had
charge of it. which he did In effect he
said the system was much smaller then
than at present. 1t formerly had only
three circuits. Now it has eight and is
very complicated. Mr.. Cullom is not ac-
quainted with the present system and its
operations, Claiborne said Mr.. Herman is
acquainted with the system and its opera
ton. He could conduct 1t with the aid of
a climber and practical electrician when
needed In answer to questions Clair
borne said Herman was competent to han
die the system, while Cullom was not
Herman and Claiborne are the only per-
sons in Savannah who know the routes of
the circuits.
Foreman Jerry Murphy of chemical No.
was called to the stand. He asked per-
mission to make statement Mr.. Buck
ley swore on the stand last Friday as to
a statement said by him to have been
made by Chief Mcguire to the effect that
the new rules would do that "od gray
headed - - -" referring to Mr..
Murphy Mr. Murphy was indignant at
this statement, which it seems was news
} him. He had nothing against Chief Ma
guire, he said, whom he thought had al
ways treated him right. He did not know
that he was ready with a knife to stick
in his back. This led him to state that on
the day he went to Chief Mcguire about
the chemical hose couplings, Of which he
made mention in his former statement,
he found him in Thomas Cooley's barroom
in an intoxicated condition. On the day
before the city election he went in search
of the chief and found him in John T.
Wades barroom. He was drunk then.
As to placing the aerial truck at the Hull
fire, Murphy said It took thirty-ive to
forty minutes to raise the ladder. Ma
guire undertook to do the duty Of
Assistant Foreman Herman, in raising IL
and getting the hose in position.
AS to the Christ church fire, Murphy
HdlQ ne udQ charge OF the tiltulltdl ne
took the chemical hose and went into the
organ loft If a hose stream had been
taken into the church at that time
great deal of good could have been ac-
complished. He was driven out by the
heat and smoke. He was not assisted by
Foreman Toshach of No 3. When he
was called to the chiefs Office a week or
so ago the man who was to have been
assigned from the engine company TO the
chemical during his absence did not re,
port to him, as asserted by Foreman Tos-
bach of No. in a recent card. He heard
that the man was assigned after he left.
ExFireman Herman was called again.
lie said that on election day he saw
Supt. Claiborne aiding the Citizens Club.
on the following day he chided Mr.. Clai-
borne about II. The latter replied that
he had told MIR. Grayson that he thought
he was doing wrong He did not say
that Mr.. Grayson had ordered him 10
do so.
Assistant Chief George Mouro was also
put on the stand. He was asked about
letter OF recommendation of Herman to
the chief, favoring his promotion TO fore
man. The letter was produced by Mr.
Mouro az the request of Mr.. Beckett. 1t
was read by Alderman owens, and Is as
follows:
Savannah, Ca. Feb. II. 1Se7.-Mr, J. e.
Mcguire, Fire Chief: Dear Sir-Your
Feb. l6 inst. with letter from MIR. A. j.
Herman attached, at hand and contents
noted. Referring to Acting Foreman a.
j. Herman, must say 1 have not found
any cause TO complain Of his actions or
management Of station No. 4 during the
three months he has been in charge as
acting foreman Of said station. find
him intelligent, well versed in fire depart
ment affairs, and consider him fully COM
petent and able to manage affairs at this
station. good fireman. an excellent
officer TO maintain discipline sober, indus
trious and watchful of everything In and
around the station. and as far as I have
seen him, competent to handle force under
him ~ fires.
Referring to Assistant Foreman Stro-
bert. you ask Is he qualified TO efficiently
and properly Officer the station. am
compelled to answer as ] did some time
since. ! cannot say " he is qualified, as
he never has been thrown on his merits
as commanding officer Yours truly.
etc, George Mouro.
Assistant Chief S. +. Department.
The report OF the fire commission for
1896 was introduced TO establish the dates
OF the deaths OF Terance Bennett and
Frank McStay.
The Information doclets for 1924 were