The evening star and Newark advertiser. [volume] (Newark, N.J.) 1907-1908, 1907-10-29
WAS IT "FIXED?" NO
POLICEMAN ADVANCED OUT
OF ORDER.
Terence Cunning, of East Orange, Pro
noted by City Council After Hints
of Collision.

Members of the East Orange City Coun'
ell last night took part ina lively debate
over the recommendation of Mayor Will
lam Cardwell, of that city, that Terence
Cunning be advanced to chanceman of the
first grade in the East Orange police de-
partment. and when Councilman Saxelby
limited at some sort of collision between
several of the officials there was a warm
exchange Of words.
Two members of the police committee,
Burr and Saxelby, objected to the majority
report of the committee, their contention
being that David Schuster, who was at
the head Of the list several months ago,
but who refused an advancement because
he had another binding position with a
firm when it was offered him, and who
was not told that his name was placed
lower on the list, should be appointed over
Cunning. The latter was appointed, with
Chairman Ougheltree and Burr and Saxel-
by voting in opposition.
Following the reading of the Mayors
recommendation for. advancing Cunning,
Mr.. Saxelby announced his opposition, say
lag: Il don't think it fair to appoint this
maj when another stands higher on the
list. Justice should be given every man
on the force. no matter who he is, and If
he stands hlghes on The list he should be
advanced. The man recommended is not
entitled to the position"
Mr.. Burr said he took the same stand,
and added that Schuster was called aside
and given No. l badge by Chief Bell after
the committee failed to advance him last
summer. when the same question arose as
to where Schuster stood on the list.
Il have heard it said that there is ward
politics in this matter" he continued, but
l do not know il Schuster lives in my
ward
Councilman Pierson, Of the committee.
SAID he did not know what ward either of
the candidates resided in, and that when
Schuster was offered a promotion on one
occasion and declined he did not believe
the man was entitled to promotion. 1t was
very unusual, he said, for anyone to de-
cline a promotion.
After Mr.. Somers had denied politics
had any bearing on the matter MIR. Saxelby
stated that Schuster was appointed a
member of the department in 1904 and
Cunning W years later. Schuster ex-
planned, he went on, that he had an out
contract and could not accept the
promotion when 1t was rendered to him;
repeated Mr.. Burr's assertion that Schus-
ter was given No. l badge, No. Is being
taken away from him after being told he
would be the next man advanced, and
wondered what change had come about at
the present time.
Mr.. Lee next took part and stated that
SchuSter did not speak of having any
contract, and for some reason the minutes
of the committee did not show all that
had occurred. He also stated that the
numbers of the policeman did not signify
anything, and added that Schuster came
near being put off the force then he re-
fused promotion.
Mayor CardweIl finally decided to take
part in the discussion and explain his
in the matter.
1T has always been customary to allow
a committee to make a recommendation"
said he, land | will always refuse to APP
not know either of the men, but investl7
gated this affair thoroughly, and found
that Cunning was entitled to the advance
ment, II you are going to cause all this
trouble on appointments, 1t is about time
for a change"
More talk followed, and finally Mr..
SomerS became heated. and, with flushed
when a policeman goes out of this City
Hall and over to the Third Ward to make
his complaints it is time for him to be
outside to other policemen on these mat
tiers I will bring charges against them"
Chief Bell told the Council of Schuster's
refusal to take the position when offered
him, and said the numbers were not worn
by the policemen according to their length
of service. He did not remember whether
Sehuster had been told he was to be
placed on the bottom of the list.
why was the chief so anxious to see
Mr.. Pierson n Mr.. Somers In the City
Hal tonight ( nsnt knowing nSs This appointment
and trouble broke out again.
IF there is a hint of any collision I
would like tc set myself clear" said Mr..
Pierson. 81 never conversed with anyone
about this matter and there has been no
hedging, scheme or plan made"
Il am very sorry, also," followed Mr..
somers, that because chief spoke to me
tonight It is suspected that there was
something DOING"
IN let you know what I spoke to the
Councilmen about" said the chief, adj
dressing Mr.. Saxelby.
you don't have to-" replied the latter.
well. J am willing to-" aid the chief.
City Clerk Lincoln e. Rowley, who was
formerly a member of the Council, was
asked about the affair, and remembered
that Schuster had been called before the
committee and pleaded that he did not de-
sire to give up his outside position for the
city job, and the chanceman also did not
think it fair that he should remain on top
and block the advancement of the others.
Mr.. Burr stated that he did not know of
n reason why a man should be black
balled, and a vote was taken. Chairman
Ougheltree, with Messrs. Saxelby and Burr,
opposed the appointment, but were In the
minority.