New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1904-07-09
CITY NOT SAFEGUARDED.
SO DIR. McKenna, of Explosives
Commission, Thinks-Resigns.

DIR. Charles F. McKenna. member of the Mu-
nicipal Explosives Commission the only member
appointed by Mayor Low TO hold over under Mayor
Mcclellan resigned his position Thursday night,
1t became known yesterday. Or. McKenna. who is
O consulting chemist, has given at length his rea-
sons for his resignation. He thinks tire city is not
properly safeguarded.
Under Mayor Low. after the explosion in Park
ave-. a commission was appointed consisting of
George o. Eaton. William ]. Charlton and ]. Arnory
Haskell besides DIR. McKenna. Mayor Mcclellan
appointed William Montgomery John Sherry and
Abraham Piser, said 10 be plumber. a furniture
dealer and salesman. besides Fire Commissioner
Hayes.
DR.. McKenna said yesterday:
At recent meetings when absent. large
number of amendments We're hurriedly put through
knew. Particularly in this respect was the repeal
Of the law pEohbiting the pTomqiseuous sale Of
u permit sell black gunpowder. and almost any
general sale Of black gunpowder is absolutely I'M
necessary. We do not need IL except as specified
erning the use of explosives. and We want those
measures on our statute books enforced and not
At present the Commissioner OF the Fire Depart
ment is the chairman of the commission, but ne
think he is capable In his position; He is UNI
doubtedly trying make record. and in doing So
overlooks the Importance of this commission
1t is my opinion that the Chief Inspector of the
controls the commission just he chooses. be-
eve the commissioners fair minded men. but
potent deal with questions of this kind involving
high explosives. and the weight that Is to be
corded TO statements Of individuals or corporations
who concerned in the applica lions.
The original commission did much good 1t re-
moved many dangers and worked hard. but there
is much yet to be done. I must say that IL ap-
pears that great deal Of the good accomplished
will be undOne unless something is done to check
the present tendency. Constant change IN acts
and the introduction extension OF new and dan
gerous substances need careful and expert atten-
ton in order TO deal justly with the legitimate
trade consideration and at the same time 20 safe
guard as far as possible life and property.
The commission should be composed OF men OF
such calling manufacturers OF explosives and
fireworks, fire insurance men. wholesale druggists
chemical manufacturers. lawyers. oil refners, fac
tory managers and blasting contractors
DR.. McKenna mentioned instance of a Broad
way sporting goods store which had received a
permit to store 100 pounds of smOkeless powder
Under the sidewalk in front of its place Of bust
ness In one of the most crowded sections of the
street He also spoke Of the granting of a license
to BOwery drug store 10 handle high explosives
when the upper floors of the building were
used as a lodging house In this instance he
said:
IT am particularly opposed 20 licensing the Bow
cry drug house. This permitted the storage Of
volatile solvent, birthstone and twenty barrels of
naphthaline under some 800 tramp dodgers. with
only thin floors and partitions Intervening