The Jersey City news. (Jersey City [N.J.]) 1889-1906, 1899-11-09
WHO SUCCEEDS HOGAN 2
Democrats Thinks Dingler
Should Not Get the
Berth.


At the meeting of the Fire Commission
ers last evening communication was re-
ceived from Mayor Hoos retiring Bat
TALON Chief John f. Hogan on half pay
as unfit to perform duty. The appli-
cation for retirement was made by Ho-
gan.
Outside the regular routine business of
the Board no other business of Importance
was transacted.
Al number of Democrats who attended
the meeting were highly fncensed over
the rumor that Captain George Dingler,
of Engine Company No. 8, located on
Mercer street, is to be made Battalion
Chief in place of Chief John Hogan. Cap.
tain Dingler is Republican and has
been one all his life. He was appointed
by the Republican party and he received
his promotion to a captaincy from that
party.
st does not seem proper" said a
prominent Democrat, who was present,
that the Board Of Fire Commissioners,
which is Democratic, should give the high
position of Battalion Chief to a Republi-
can. There are many Democrats in the
department who have as good a record
as Dingler, and they should be taken
into consideration before any Republican.
I think II the Board undertakes such an
action there will be disruption in our
ranks Immediately"
Several days ago story was published
in 1.-THE News to the effect that Captain
James Coleman of Engine Company No.
5, and Captain Hugh Hague Of Engine
Company No. 2, two of the most popular
Democratic captains in the department,
were seeking the appointment The two
captains are not only well liked by the
men under them but each has a large
following outside Of the department.
Captain Hague's candidacy was met
with APPROVAL by every person north of
Newark avenue. Of which he has been a
lifelong resident. He has voted in the
Horseshoe ever since he attained his
majority.
Captain Coleman's friends are spread
about all over the city and an interesting
fight between the two captains was ex-
pected. The rumor that Captain Dingler
was to receive the appointment seems to
have some foundation
Another Democrat was seen after the
meeting. had adjourned He seemed great
" put out over the rumor that a Repub-
lcan captain was going to be placed over
the heads Of Democrats. He said Such
course is not usual in our lines. After
working hard TO secure the election of a
Democratic ticket I cannot see why we
cannot have all benefits to be derived
from the regime. Captain Dingler might
be a brave man and a good fireman, but
either Hague or Coleman are his equal,
If not better. have watched the three
men at work at fires, and from my judg-
ment Hague and Coleman did better work.
have seen both men go into fires where
no other man dared enter
The Board Of Fire Commissioners has
ben Democratic for exactly seven months.
In that time several good Democrats have
been made. For six years previous to the
first day of last May, the Board was Re-
publican. Many Democrats in that time
applied for appointment or promation. All
these applications were placed on file or
were in effect. assigned to the waste paper
basket. A Democrat no matter how good
efficiency for a position on the depart
ment was not even considered.
It is understood from the best authority
life long Democrat is to be honored with
captaincy. If such acourse is taken
considerable credit should be given to the
Commissioners for their selection. Costi-
gan is the only man who has the honor
of wearing a medl for bravery. The
medal was presented to him for his work
at the Lorilliard fire, several years ago.
when he rescued several unfortunate
women from an untimely death.
After Costigan receives his appointment
then there will be another vacancy for
the board to fill.