The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1903-12-04

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| he was willing 10 admit there was an ad-
journment, he said that he objected TO
the way that came about.
STILL MORE ABSURD.
Alderman Cushing said that statement
is still more absurd. II can't conceive Of
mental gymnastics that could bring about
such reasoning" and asked II the gentle
man from the Sixth admitted the ad-
Journment.
Alderman Freeman said he admitted that
the last meeting was adjourned certainly
and again stated that he had the floor
at the time and protes ~ that the meeting
should not have been adjourned.
The mayor rose and said: THE chair
will state his position In this matter.
Unless the vote Is reconsidered will not
entertain any motion here today what
ever" After this ultimatum the alderman
from the Sixth consulted with the alder
man from the Ninth and then Alderman
Freeman said that In order not TO be an
obstruction he would move to reconsider
the vote and Alderman Perkins seconded
the motion.
Alderman Cook stated. II am glad the
gentleman Is going TO crawl out OF the
hole he got himself into"
tion and approved the record.
Sunday nuisance orders recommended by
the superintendent OF health were then is
sued.
Petitions to build barns by John B. CT
cerchia, corner Charles and Paul streets;
Antonio A. Mariani, corner Charles and
Gillen streets. and Saverio Tammellio.
corner Almy and Tell streets. were
granted.
On motion OF Alderman Davis Ruth Il.
Rinne was given leave to Withdraw her
petition for a barn at 800 Pocasset avenue.
THE QUESTION OF THE DAY.
city Clerk Clarke read an ordinance in
amendment OF section 2. chapter 13. en-
titled Fire Department" and Of section
OF chapter 20, entitled 'Officers of the
City and Their Duties"
The mayor then asked for remarks on
The alderman from the First ward se-
cured the floor.
Alderman Cooke said this question is
one OF the most important that have
come before the board during all the years
have had the honor 10 hold office on II.
This ordinance will legislate out OF Of
fee Mr. Windsor. Mr., Gordon and Mr.
Harrington, all OF whom have more time
10 serve.
Now Il may be said II In not aimed at
all OF them. but II will strike the law
and this too without any charges OF
incompetency against one or the other
of them.
What sense was there In putting in the
amendment OF this ordinance "for in
competency" when they can be removed
before their time Is out. The persons
who formed that law never conceived
that construction would be put upon II.
The proper Interpretation OF that ordi-
nance In that the persons shall continue
TO hold office till their terms are out,
unless for misconduct removed.
want TO address myself 10 the mem.
bers OF this body on another phase OF
this matter not technical.
There is usually a provision whereby
two experienced members are preserved
on the commission over an election that
would give a strange man the proper
knowledge OF the department should he
he elected.
FAVORED THREE YEAR TERM
The alderman then spoke in favor Of
the scheme OF having the term OF Office
run out at different times. This measure
which comes up today provides that all
three be elected at the one time. That
is n matter OF vital interest 10 the people
OF this city to life and 20 property.
This fire department. under fits present
management 80 far as It's efficiency n
concerned, challenges the admiration OF
the people OF this city and Its reputation
IL national not local Think OF how few
fires we have and how little damage and
loss Of life results.
While ! give to the hremen all the
credit due. how much OF this In due 10
the experience OF those commissioners
Now you provide that three new menmay
be elected at one time. That will not
happen YOU say. We all know from our
experience that the unexpected alwayp /
happens. This legislation is dangerous /
and az tho representative OF the people |
OF part OF the city I must denounce Il /
as such
A WHTRLwIND OF POLITICS
beard IL rumored. and II may be 40. |
that this amendment In only aimed at one. /
Now n this man has been too active no. i
litically, ! don't know how true that L.:
but will II mend matters 20 have the com. \
missloners elected each year by the city
council. Won't those men use all their
influence 10 elect members OF the city
council who would vote 10 re-elecs them
20 their offices.
Alderman Cooke then cited other IN
stances where these men subjected 20 an
nuai election would be subjected TO the
enect of whiriwind OF politics and
showed where a three-year term would be
advantageous
Gentlemen, you are making POLITICAL
activity that will be n source OF danger
to the efficiency Of the nre department.
we want men that know about fre