The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1898-05-08
WILL ASK FOR GO DAYS. LEAVE.
Fire Commissioners Nell and Gray
sons Request of Council.

sons Request of Council.
Chairman William L. Grayson and Com
missioner Nell OF The Fire Commissioners
VIII leave Savannah tonight with their
commands for Griffin, the rendezvous OF
the state troops. which may have the effect
OF vacaGng their Offices The matter will
be solely for the City Council to decide
and a special session may be called to-
morrow.
1t has been known for some time that
Commissioners Grayson and hiell were IN
tending to enlist in the government serv-
ice, which has caused no end of specula-
ton as TO what would become of their Of
fees. especially in view of the aggressive
hight that has been waged on them by
Council the past seven months. No posi-
tive declarations have been made by mems
berg of Council in reference TO what they
would do IN case the commissioners left,
though there have been opinions expressed
by some which would Indicate that The de-
parture of the commissioners no matter
what The conditions were, would have the
effect of vacating their offices,
Chairman Grayson was telling some Of
his friends goodbye last night. and max
ing preparations TO leave. He was asked
concerning what he and Commissioner
made the following statement;
Il did not think would be ordered away
so early and on that account have not
the time desired in which TO communicate
with Council about my departure. II would
be unreasonable for either myself or MIR.
Nell 10 ask the city TO hold our Offices open
for us indefinitely, and we will not do so.
Believing there is no reason for il we have
deelined to resign. We will inform the
have received from the government, and
ask that we be granted a leave of absence
from the city sixty days. This we consider
nothing more than a reasonable request,
and If we are not at our posts at the expi-
ration of this time, we shall not feel that
anyundue advantage has been taken of US.
As for myself l will say that if Coun-
ell can see its way to stab me while I
am in the service of my country, having
taken leave of those l love most in order
to protect members of Council, among
others, then / can stand It, and, as / have
said on a previous occasion, 1 viii be los
ing no friends and sacrificing none of my
manhood. My duty as fire commissioner
has been faithfully and impartiany per
formed which gives no reason to believe
that Council viii look to this instead of
yielding to political dislike"
Chairman Grayson did not express indif-
ference as to the action Council might take
in his case, but it Is evident he feels that
If he is ousted as soon as he leaves, even
though it be on grounds that no leave of
absence can be granted, the aldermen- will
lose more than ne.
Some believe summary disposition will
be made of the departing commissioners.
If this is done there is a possibility of a
revolution in the organization of the fire
department from end 10 end. Even should
the leave of absence be granted, many be-
lieve the commissioners would not return
in time to resume their offices, which would
then place them in as much jeopardy as If
the commissioners had been retired now.