The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1898-05-28
FIRE COMMISSIONS AK FALLS.
REMOVALS OF FIREMEN AND RE
DUCTION OF WAGES BEGUN.

ished-Foremnn StrObhert Reduc-
ed-Firemnn Wall Dismissed and
All Engineers Reduced S13.33
Month-RumOred other Changes
Are to Follow SoOn-COmmittee for
Tariff Association May Inspect De-
partment With Fire Commission
ers.
The Fire Commission has taken the init
ative towards reorganizing the department.
A number of nrcmen are already on the
dismissal list, others are to be reduced IN
rank. and the salaries Of all the engineers
In the department viii be cut considerably.
The news of the changes TO take place
June /, leaked out yesterday, when the
men to whom Chief Mcguire addressed
letters began to tell Of their woes.
The fire mspectorshiD, which was re
Gently created by the old board, is abol-
ished, and Inspector Basch, who has oc-
cupied the position a short time, has re-
oeived notice his services will not be need
ed after Wednesday. 70 some, this VIII
come in the nature of a surprise, while
others predicted it would be the first step
by the new commission When seen by a
Morning News representative Inspectorf
Basch stated that politics is Of course, at
the bottom of it, and he was not greatly
surprised at his Office being abolished.
Foreman Strobhert of engine house No
4, on Barnard street, viii be reduced to
ranks; Fireman Wall of the same station
has been nouhed his services are no longer
needed the five engineers will have tier
salaries reduced from 1898 to $40 month,
the clerks salary was cut from $50 to so
There are understood to be other changes,
but the commissioners decline to talk. IL
Is believed the reconstruction of the de-
partment has Just begun, and that changes
wll be made IN the next week which may
greatly affect the personnel at the differ
ent stations.
The general belief for a time was the
commissioners would so little beyond fill
ing the six vacancies that now exist by
reason of the departure of men for the
army. It was further believed these places
would be filled by the appointment of
hremen heretofore indefinitely suspended
for reasons which We're considered insufl-
cient by many. That they would be given
their places again no one disputed, but
it was not generally believed that a gem
eral sweep such as the present start
might be taken to indicate, was to be
made at this time. From what has now
been done there is little doubt but a large
number Of changes are 10 be made An
other meeting of the commissioners, it Is
said, wiz be held before the stated meet
ing in june though nothing has been
given out to this effect
Neither the commissioners nor Chief Ma
.gulre would give out any information yes
terday. Chief Mcguire said he had in
structions from the commissioners to give
nothing to the newspapers until so direct
ed. Char Cunningham simply said there
mad been meeting, but that there was
nothing yet for publication. He stated.
however, there would probably be noun
cations in the department soon, but it Is
not the proper time to outline them until
1t is seen what conclusion the commits
sioners reach.
"Wili any changes be made in the line
the demands Of the Southeastern Tariff
Association, in order to get the insurance
rate decreased?' he was asked
90 not care to even discuss that now"
ne said. AT some future time however.
II may be possible an arrangement viii be
made with the officials of the association
at Atlanta to get them here to inspect the
department, along with the fire commits
siOners."
Chairman Cunningham said the commits
sioners would agitate matters as little as
possible now for obvious reasons. He ad-
nitted there had been some discussion as
later
Inspector Basch will scarcely have time
10 gel In many effecual strokes for the
city in view of his limited term He has
made inspections that have resulted In the
removal Of large quantities of trash from
cellars, stores and other places where
trash was stored at the peril of the prop
crty. He also endeavored TO secure re-
forms by having an ordinance introduced
requiring property owners To place a wire
netting beneath front graungs
Ihere are not likely 10 be any resigna-
ions among the engineers as a result OF
reducing their salaries. They are now on
the same footing with foremen of the en-
gine houses. No kick is made by anv
others affected, who feel satisfied that il
tney decline to serve, there will be others
20 take their places.
The commissioners intend scrutinizing
the physical condition of all firemen where
there IS belief that their disabilities
VIII interfere with the efficient discharge
OF their duties. Foreman Steinberg of
Engine House No, 5. on Henry street. has
been notified to have his eyes examined
He has been in the department over twenty
years, during ten of which he has been
foreman Fireman Hamilton, 1t is said
has also been instructed to have his ewes
examined He has been in the department
hye years Whether these are much
longer identified with the force doubtless
depends largely on the result of the ex-
animation
There is notbipe, - ,.4
TO Indicate that the rule is to be applied as
70 other disabilities. Heretofore there has
been no physical examination outside the
general appearance Of an applicant, which
may leave a large number subject to re-
moyal from different physical causes. Ii Is
SAID The commissioners favor inauguratinc
examinations along this line in order to
Keep the department composed Of nothing
Out the best specimens of manhood.
II is rumored another meeting will he
held tonight from which imDortant
changes may follow. The actions of The
commissioners viii be eagerly awaited by
tile entire force, which will be more or less
unstrung until changing ceases and il is
decided who is to remain and who 10 10.
AN EAGLE EYE ON BICYCLES.