The Montgomery advertiser., 1909-09-03
ORDINANCE
 IS APPROVED Fire Committee Takes Favorable Action. SESSION WAS VERY QUIET Aldermen Johnson and Thompson
 Against Report. CeuncIlmen Say that Measure win Be Passed over Mayors Veto and ~
 Fire Chief Brewder
 wiiI Go.

Meeting late yesterday afternoon. the Fire Committee of the City Council passed favorably upon the ordinance in- troduced by Alderman Saul. seeking to give the Council the appointtve power in the matter of a Tax Assessor, Tax Collector. and Fire Chief. There were i've members of the committee present. Alderman Sullivan presiding.
 The meeting of the committee was short. and little discussion indulged in. Alderman Johnson attempted to bring the name of Fire Chief Browder into the discussion. but Chairman Sul- livan promptly stated that he would permit no names in the discussion of the ordinance. Chairman Sullivan stat ed that the question was simply upon the approval of the ordinance.
 Alderman Thompson moved that the ordinance be help up until the return of Mayor-Elect Gaston Gunter from his Canadian trip, but on the suggestion of Alderman Jones. the consideration of the ordinance was undertaken imme- diately.
 "As I suggested at the special meet ing of the Council when this ordinance was introduced by Alderman Saul" said Alderman Johnson, this ordinance should go to the joint Committees on Fire and Judiciary. To my mind the ordinance which we, are considering
  nicipal code. According to Section 72 of the code, I can't see how the or dinance will stand. as no mention is made of a Fire Chief.
 TooIe Brought In.
 Now I have heard it said that this ordinance is purely for busting the present Fire Chief, MT. Browder, and will benefit another--rumor has cited the name of Toole, and.
 At this point, Chairman Sullivan tn- terrupted with the statement that the committee was considering the ordtn- ance. and he would not permit the in- troduction of names into the discussion. He stated to Alderman Johnson that while he had expected the name Of Chief Browder would be brought Into the discussion, he had thought 1t would come from another source
 "This Is question of the report on the ordinance. Will you sign favor able report or not?" said Chairman Sullivan.
 Alderman Jones again moved that the ordinance be reported favorably, and Chairman Sullivan signed such report. as did Aldermen Jones and Hinds. AL derman Thompson refused to sign the favorable report. and Alderman Johnson stated that he was not ready to sign the report at the present time.
 On the street outside the municipal building, Aldermen discussed the ques- ton of the fight on Browder. Several members of the Councii were present to hear what action the committee would take, and Q large group formed at the Monroe Street entrance.
 eAfderman Sullivan stated that he had signed the favorable report simply be- cause he believed that the appoint ment to the various responsible offices of the city government should be made by the Council. He pointed out the fact that the City Clerk. the City Treasurer. and other city officials were selected by the Council, and the important office of Fire Chief should be taken from the hands of the Mayor on principle.
 .If Mir. Browder seems to be the best candidate applying for the posi- tion when this ordinance is passed. as it will bs passed, then am free to say that will vote for Browder as Chief of the Fire Department.
 Support Qualined.
 Alderman Lowe stated that he. too, would vote for Browder if he seemed 10 be the best candidate. He also said
 Let me remind you of the time the Council appointed committee to in- vestigate the fire plug situation in Montgomery last winter" continued AL derman Lowe. When the committee attempted to make an investigation, Chief Browder was very discourteous. The Mayor had appointed him to office, and he did not have the proper respect for the City Council. or so 1t seemed to me.
 . When this committe made its rounds. 1t endeavored to have Chief Browder accompany them. Several appointments were made but the Chief never showed up At last the committee began to make its inspection. The committee