The Morris County chronicle. [volume] (Morristown, N.J.) 1877-1915, 1899-01-20
FIRE / GS
ALLEGED
Citizens Have Subscribed $500
for Their Detection.
COUNCIL WILL OFFER S2,5OO

COUNCIL WILL OFFER g, 500.
But the Chiefs of Fire and Police
Departments Have but Little
Faith In the Theory of Tncendiar-
ism-Offices of Sergeant and
Roundsman Created in the Police
Force-Chas. StiIIweII Elected
Town Clerk and Louis A. Voet
Town Treasurer-Town or City
At special meeting of the Board of
Aldermen Monday night, that body de-
cided to carry the decision declaring
Morristown to be only town to a
higher court, and thus ascertain to just
what standing the place is entitled.
Town Clerk and Treasurer John
b. Ayers. who has served efficiently dur
ing four administrations, rendered his
resignation, which was accepted. Mayor
Quayle spoke of the retiring officials
excellent record, saying also that he had
been valuable man, always accurate
as well as obliging.
Mr.. Reed thought, as matter of bust
ness, that the offices of clerk and treas
urer should not be held by one person,
and resolution offered by the gentle
man to that effect was passed.
For clerk, Chas. Stillwell and D. F.
Lozier were nominated. Mr.. Stillwell
received votes, while Mr.. Lozier got 2.
The clerk will receive $500 for his SER
vices in that capacity and 800 from the
Excise Board. This will be increased at
least $75 for work at elections.
On motion the treasurers compensation
was made $500. For this place Louis
A. Vogt received 3. John B. Ayers 3
and P. j. Howard / vote.
At this meeting the Elm street and
Madison street fires were discussed. Mr..
Van Glider asked about the water sup
ply and Mr.. Freeman replied that it had
been all right. Speaking of the Elm
street fire, he said the criticisms of the
department had not only been unjust,
but in many instances absurd. He con-
tended that ten engines would have
failed to extinguish the Griswold house
4 FIRE, which was beyond control by the
time the firemen arrived He said the
people seemed to forget that the depart
ment is volunteer in nature. 1t could
not be expected to save two story frame
house at an early hour in the morning
under circumstances such as character
lied the Griswold house fire. He refer
red to the Raymond house fire in New
York, several weeks ago, which started
kl1A ri, hos 80
were about, and although the building
was of stone, the fire proved not only
disastrous, but fatal in its results. A
metropolitan fire department had failed
to do, under more favorable conditions,
that which the Morristown firemen found
impossible, but for which they were
roundly criticised.
Mr. Freeman also stated that an en-
gine of the local department might be off
duty at any time, as was the case re-
Gently. This has happened often and
may occur in the future. Fire engines
need repairing and care, as well as other
vehicles. 1t was this necessary work
: that prompted the town authorities to
purchase two engines.
Chief Fox's report of the fire was ap-
proved. He recited in brief what had
been published concerning the fires and
made no mention of suspected incendiar-
ism.
Chief of Police Holloway submitted a
detailed report, which follows.
"In pursuance to your request, here
with report the result of my investiga-
tions concerning the Elm street and
Madison street fires, which occurred on
the morning of January 10, 1899.
"Officer Morrison passed through the
streets named about half hour before
the first alarm was sent in. He met no
one after leaving the depot until he
reached the park, and saw nothing sus-
picious, nor any sign of fire.
''At 3.05 a. M, Officer Campbell who
was on duty at Police Headquarters,
received a telephone message from Cen
trail that No. 20 Elm street was on fir O..
He Immediately rung for box 43. Ten
minutes later another message from the
same source announced that Cornelius
Holly's barn on Madison street was on
fire. He Immediately rung for box Sc.
'There have been rumors and clues
reported, all of which | have traced to
the end.
"Mrs. Hoffman, who was guest at
Mrs. Griswold's, where the fire started,
says she was awakened by noise.
She got up and opening door, found
the house filled with smoke. She
awakened Mrs. Griswold and after Civ
ing the alarm went up stairs to hasten
Mrs. Griswold's departure from the
house, when flames were noticed in the
rear.
&c. B. Howell, who lives at No. IS
Elm street and is member of Independ-
ent Hose Company, has an alarm In his
bedroom
sHe got up at the first stroke of the
bell and was first at the scene of the fire.
Two ladies were on the sidewalk. One
of these took MIR. Howell into the house
and showed him where the fire was To-
Gated. Flames were issuing from the
basement