The Savannah morning news., 1904-11-11
NEW FIRE DRILL
ORDINANCE UP To
THE BOARD OF EDUCATION.
WILL BE DISCUSSED AT NOVEMBER
MEETING MONDAY NIGHT.

May Meet Opposition from some
Members of Board - Fact That
Mayor Myers and Alderman Da-
want Are Members Gives support
ers OF Ordinance Two Votes at
start-President Mercer Opposed
to Paying Any Attention to IL.
The announcement that the CITY
Council had passed the ordinance re-
quiring bi-monthly fire drills in the
public schools and similar drills at
least once a month in all factories
where there are more than fifty peo-
pie gathered, was read with unusual
interest by Savannahians.
Besides the natural interest that is
aroused in a matter of this kind, there
was the additional stimulant of pos
sible clash between the city officials
and the Board of Education.
When the fire drill ordinance was
first suggested a number of the mem
bers of the Board of Education were
interviewed. Opinions differed One
side, lead by President George A. Mer-
Ger, took the position that the city
had no right to interfere and that no
attention need be paid to the ordinance
in case It was passed.
The other members of the board took
the ground that the fire drill was
good thing, and it should be inaugural
ed even if the ordinance failed to pass.
These members will undoubtedly, I'M
less there has been a change in their
positions, vote for the establishment
of fire drills at once, in accordance
with the terms of the ordinance.
Another factor that enters into the
question is that Mayor Herman Myers
and Alderman r. j. Davant are mem
bers of the Board of Education. The
fire drill ordinance was unanimously
passed by Council, certain indication
that it was favored by the two city
officials named above. This fact alone
insures they will support it in the
Board of Education. and thus give a
good working start to the supporters
of the ordinance.
Take 1t Up Monday Night.
In all probability the discussion of
the ordinance will be taken up by the
Board of Education on Monday night.
when they meet for the regular No
vember session. There was "a general
dissemination to discuss the matter
yesterday. President George A. Mer-
Ger, when asked about it, said:
las yet we have received no official
notice of the passage of the ordinance.
We have not been made acquainted
with its terms, beyond what has been
unofficially given in the newspapers,
and we do not know what punishment
has been provided by the new city
law. OF course, no action on the mat
ter can be taken until we have been
notified that it has been passed and
the ordinance is officially reported to
us.
"As to what action will be taken by
the Board of Education on the subject,
l. of course, cannot say. My position
on the matter is well known, as l have
publicly expressed my views through
the newspapers. The position that will
be taken by the other members of the
board is a matter they alone can solve.
The matter will probably come up at
our meeting on Monday night and some
action taken then"
Supt. AshmOre Silent.
"As yet 1 have nothing to say re-
garding it, as l do not believe the time
has come for me to express any opin-
ion either for or against it," said Mr..
Ashmore. The matter will probably
come before the Board of Education
at the regular November meeting and
at that time will express my views,
If they are requested. At this time l
have nothing to say"
The action of the board will be
awaited with interest. City Attorney
Garrard has given as his opinion that
the ordinance is legal and can be en-
forced. This indicates, it would seem,
that in case the board refuses to put
it in operation legal means will be
taken to compel them to do so, or
decision sustaining the board obtained
from the courts.