New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1902-10-04
PERSECUTION CHARGES UP.
FIREMEN WE'RE NOT PROMOTED AFTER
FOLLOWING ADVICE SAID TO
COME FROM CROKER

That charge that CHIEF Croker prosecuted hrcmen
and unjustly Disseminated against others was the
one on which the trial before Commissioner Stursis
went on YESTERDAY II is alleged that chief Croker
persecuted Eugene p Terpeny. battalion chief be
cause ne declined 70 prevent Foreman clifford from
attending the meeting OF the Firemeu's Mutual
Benefit Association, II which he was president
The association was under the ban o. Commissioner
scsuneU and clifford was later dismissed from the
department on charges sroWfns out OF his connec-
ton with the association
Terpeny testified that Chief Croker over the tele-
phone told him hat the hremen's association was
10 meet on Friday, and that being Chford's dsy
or. ne Croker wanted change made 10 keep
clifford from the meeting Terpeny replied that
ne would not do H.
I was transferred 10 another battalion" said
Terpeny. 4 remained al the new command until
April Prom that date until late m September
u-as detailed 10 a different battalion each day
t,ross-eNamined by Mr. Delany. Terpeny said he
had made no onicial complaint Of persecution until
about three months ago. Secretary Leary. Of the
department spoke 10 him about II
Is n not a fact that Mr.. Leary and Chief
Purrov visited your quarters several times 10 talk
over these charges?" Mr.. Delsny asked.
IT is"
And then you made this complaint"
Yes 10 Ar Leary."
Is Mr. Laary the proper person. according 10 the
regulations. 20 whom battalion chief shall make
has complaint
Commissioner Sturgs ruled the question improper.
fFsr1 tfG
20 prove his statement that PurToy and Lsary We're
IN a conspiracy 20 do Chief Croker.
All through the examination and cross-examina-
ton counsel wrangled MI Delany was insistent
an bringing in the names Of Deputy chief Purroy
and Secretary Leary. and Mr.. Cosby equally
anxious 20 keep them out. Mr.. Sturgis agreed with
the Assistant Corporation Counsel in every instance
When Battalion Chief Burns said he listened 10
Gooderson's talk with Croker because he expected
10 guide his own conduct by what Croker said. He
did not take the examination because he did not
care displease the Chief
A list OF names certified eligible for promo
tion TO be assistant foremen vas read. Chief Gro
ker is accused Of neglecing 10 present those
TO the Commissioner for promotion. Assistant Fore
man Roxbury said while he a candidate for
promotion Chief Croker asked him II II true
that he hghting the Sew-York Ffremen's Be
nevolent Organization. and said he had a poor
chance In the department II ne decided 10 stand
against the Commissioner and Chief
kONbury's promotion made on the recon-
mendation OF Chief Croker in July Of this year
Foreman Michael J. Fltzgerald said MS imme-
dlate superior. Captain McAree told him Chief
Croker had noticed that he (Fitzgeral6) was the
only orflcer In the department. not member OF the
''McAree then said Fitzgerald went % You
know you are on the eligible list for promotion.
and the chief won't certify you II YOU stand out
but McAree sale be was delegated by the Chief 20
Earn the reasons for opposition He quoted the
"A like fate
Who warned you" demanded M Delauy.
'McAree.'
You never saw Chief Croker on the subject"
Never"
Assistant Foreman John H. Link who was pro-
told by McAree. he testified, that 70 his In
terest 20 join the organization.
was not the old organization formed TO raise