The Washington herald., 1914-01-12
''fRAME.UP'' in
SULLIVAN CASE
CONTINUED from PAGE ONE


xens and legisiators. In commenting on
the project one Of It's prime movers said
'.The sullivan case has taught Us one
ereat leeson, and that Is that an
individual member OF he department is
absolutely helpless and has no redress
whatever II the Commission determines
to discharge him.
Commissioners see at to discharge a
man, they can do % without that man
being given an opportunity to clear
himself and to show there II no ground
for his dismissal All they have to say
ss reason is for the good Of the
service
mo matter what will be the out
come of the Sullivan case, We are de-
termined to be on equal footing In this
respect with the members OF the police
department, who can at any, time de-
mand and obtain q trial by the trial
board. OF what good 10 the trial board
to US II IL is merely In the discretion
of the Commission to determine
whether It should try a man or notr'
Petitions already are being prepared
and will be circulated within few
days. It is expected, to realize this aim
of the frefghters.
Statement from siddons.
Commissioner sIddons. when seen last
night, repeated that he was "compelled
to be silent" and referred to his state
ment of last Thursday. In which he said
that II Chief Sullivan should ask retire
ment, he. Mr.. Siddons. would be glad to
recommend IL. and that up to a recent
date" Sullivan's record had been excel
lent.
Would you say whether any Official
action will follow IL Chief Sullivan re-
ports for duty Monday and fails to re-
sign?" was asked of the Commissioner.
II can only repeat that I am not In a
position TO make any further statements
was the answer. When pressed for a re-
ply. the Commissioner. however, added:
''Of course. II there should be any
developments that might require Official
action. 1 shall be glad TO make any ex-
PLANTATION that feel the public Ia en-
titled to-"
Chief Wagner. when seen last night
was at first extremely r.luctant in COM
menting upon the Sullivan case. its his
tory or its possible sequels. While max
ing il clear that Chief Sullivan had not
only his personal support. but that of
the entire rank an ale of the depart
ment, the head of the Districts fire.
fighters emphasized repeatedly that 10
make any comment might embarrass
him and others involved. He added that
Il was very probable that Commissioner
Siddons had good reasons for maintain
ing silence concerning the Sullivan case.
1t was not until the rumor of his al
legged intention of retiring was brought
up by the interviewer that Chief Wag-
ner consented to answer specific ques-
tons. a-..E.
Fire Chief shows Anger.
There is not a scintilla of truth in that
exclaimed the chief. angriiy. Il
have never voiced any such intentions.
and in fact, have never fostered them"
After few moments of reflection Chief
Wagner continued:
I'm a body like the fire department.
such rumors and reports can usually be
traced back to the originator. and in nine
tenths OF the cases il Is found that that
originator has very good reasons for start
ting them-I say good because they are
30 for him. Viewed from another angle.
these reasons are nefarious and base. the
outgrowth OF egotism and selfishness
that shuns no means to obtain its ends"
DO you suspect any one in particu-
lar?' asked the interviewer.
II certainly do; and what's more,
don't suspect I know positively
What is 1t you know positively, chief?"
Result of n Movement.
is the result OF movement against me |
and the deputy chief" retorted Wagner, |
hotly.
"A movement instisated by whom" |
was the next question.
why, by that fellow on the HILL"
What is his name. chief?''
''Proctor-the battalion chief"
In calling Proctor the fellow on the |
HILL Chief Wagner explained he re-
ferred TO Proctor's long service at No. .
Engine Company. which Is located in the I
immediate neighborhood of the Capitol /
The chief then related in detail what /
he said had been undertaken against him /
and Chief Sullivan.
At the close OF the interview Chief |
Wagner commended the newspapers for /
supporting Sullivan by favoring a public |
trial for the deputy chief.
Humane society Meets Today.