The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1898-05-03
FIRE COMMISSIONERS FUTURE.

Council May Decide Tomorrow
About Granting Leaves of Absence.
The question, what will become of Fire
Commissioners Grayson and Nell in case
they go to war with the First Georgia
Regiment will likely be one of the main
matters for Council to consider before the
commissioners leave. They frankly admit
they cannot leave the city without having
their offices declared vacant, unless spe-
cial provision is made for them.
1t is claimed by members of Council that
the action indefinitely postponing the trial
would never have been passed had not
the members of the board known that the
commissioners intended leaving with the
army. which would of itself vacate their
offices. In other words, one side took the
position that the end was in sight and an
easy let-down was best for all concerned.
Before even this course was determined
on, it is stated the Council was seriously
at variance in caucus, so much so that
the withdrawal of four aldermen was
threatened, the result of which would have
left Council without quorum.
The Council determined IN the caucus to
proceed with the trial of the commission
ers and was about to go into public ses-
sion when an alderman moved to recon-
slider the action just taken To this AL
derman Guckenheimer strongly objected.
but was overruled by Acting Mayor Ow-
ems. An appeal was asked from the de-
cision of the chairman, Alderman Guck-
enheimer maintaining that by the rules
of Council a motion to reconsider could
not be acted on except at a future meet
ing and after notice had been given. The
appeal was lost. Alderman Guckenheimer
was sure that he was in the right He
thereupon Informed the members that he
would withdraw if the action was recon-
sidered, and thought those sharing his
views, Aldermen Smith, Reid and Davis,
would do the same thing. The object prob
ably was to place each alderman on rec
ord, Which was done when the Council got
together and yielded to the objections.
There is no assurance that Council will
pass a resolution granting the commits
sioners leave of absence, judging from
the desire of some aldermen to Dust them
1t was stated to a Morning News repre-
sentative by an alderman yesterday that
within the range of possibilities, and be-
lieved the commissioners would be called
on to resign If they left the city. There
are others, however, who incline to the
belief that refusal to grant the commits
soners leave to go would be unpatriotic.
To say the least they believe it would be
showing little gratitude by Council for the
services of officials leaving their business
to protect the city and their country.
Chairman Grayson said he intended to
notify Council of his intended departure,
after which it could take whatever action
it deemed proper. If 1t wanted his resig-
nation, he said he would send ii In and
Commissioner Nell would do the same.
Chairman Grayson insisted he would not
lose any friends If Council ousted him in
such manner. Recorder Hartridge is
going to the front" he said. "Will Coun-
ell declare his office vacant, or refuse to
grant him leave of absence? Alderman
Owens might be called out. with the cav
alry--will he be ousted? I understand
there are several others connected with
the city who intend going, and do not
think Council will fail TO treat all alike.
I expect to receive just treatment, but If
1 am called on for my resignation, shall
send 1t In promptly with the consolation
that I have lost none Of my self-respect
or friends