Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1903-08-06
Trouble in the Fire Department.

The storm centre of Alexandria last
night was the Hydraulion engine house,
where most of the members gathered al
a called meeting to express their official
disapproval Of the action of the Fire
Wardens in electing Mr.. Julian Ballen-
ger driver of the hose wagon OF that
company. As was statedin the Gazette,
the company had recommended Mr..
George Cogan, who has been temporarily
in charge of the wagon, for the position,
and their next choice was Mr.. Henry
Elliott. There was considerable earn
est talk yesterday on the part Of the
champions of Mr.. Cogan, and members
of the company were loud In ayowlng
that it was their intention to withdraw
from it should the wardens refuse to
rescind their action. The wardens en-
desyored to explain to all interested
that they had elected man as driver OF
the wagon who they believe will prove
more satisfactory in such apositlon-not
through any personal motives or aversion
had been presented. Mr.. Ballenger, they
to either of the applicants hose names
believe. is better qualified for the man
aOement of horses. All this, however,
proved as impotent in staying the tide OF
protest as whistling againsta prairie lre,
and a meeting Of the Hydraullon
company was called for last night.
There was large attendance and all pres
emf were animated by determined spirit
Newspaper representatives appeared on
the scene. but they were not allowed 10
witness the proceedings. The meeting
is said to have been very animated a
committee was appointed to meet with
the hoard of wardens and present 10
tbem the wishes of the company.
Inosmuch as Mr.. Balleuger entered
mon the discharge of his duties yester-
dav. and the law provides he can only
be removed for cause, it Is not clear as
70 how the wardens can recede from the
position they have taken. He has re-
iiuouished another position in Washing
ton in order to become driver OF the nose
wagon. It is understood that the ward
ens having made their choice OF a
driver will decline to consider any over
tnres from the company i'll connection
with the removal of Mr.. Ballenger'
Chief Engineer Pettey is quoted as hay-
inc said that "should the company dis
hand, he will issue orders forbidding any
Of the apparatus from being taken from
the house. The members OF the by
draulion company claim that heretofore
the wardens have always elected persons
to paid positions who had previously
been recommended by the company, and
they cite instances where persons mac
been endorsed by the company whom
the wardens did not elect. On these oc-
casions. it is alleged, the election was
nostponed and the company asked T.
select other candidates. This action, II
il claimed. the wardens should have
taken on this occasion. The committed
appointed by the company waited uPoi
Wessrs. Risheill and Summers, Fir'
Wardens. last night, and requested then
to call meeting for tonight and lister
to the company's protest. This will b.
dome and the wardens will meet the com
mittee tonight. The latter delivered
On uItimatum to the wardens which wa
70 the effect that should they refuse t
recede from their action the members o
the company will withdraw from tn
organization.