Putnam patriot., 1918-04-12

C0ulcn m SpeGlai SeSeloHt MouQd9 night, voted four to three to ratify the election held by Hose Company No. 1, at it's meeting in March, at which time Philias Cloutier was elect ed foreman, Eugene Berthiume first assistant foreman, and Merle Fish secretary. Those voting in favor of ratifying the election were Aldermen Mullan, Johnson and Dean of the fire committee, and Alderman Padgett Those opposed were Aldermen La palme, Beausoleil and Richard. Al derman Duvert did not vote. He ask ed to be excused, saying that the dis cussion had been such as to leave him Ill doubt as to how to vote.
 The meeting was called to order by the mayor All members with the ex- ception of Alderman Darcy were present. After the call for the meet ing had been read the mayor asked what action the council wished to take
 Alderman Lapalme referred to the previous election when the company was first organized, and again said he could not understand why 1t was not legal He asked if it was honestly believed that Cloutier was the best man for the position. He said he had nothing against Mr Cloutier, but that there had been trouble at the other end. He said that the aldermen from the north end were not trying to run the department, but to help out at this end, and do what is for the best interests of the city. "We are not buclling the council" said the al derman, but we are working for the best interests of the council and the city. We do not think Mir Cloutier should be there"
 Alderman Beausoleil said it looked to him as if it was a case of the city paying a man and not getting ser vices in view of the fact that both Cloutier and Fish were members of the company. He said that he did not see how both men employed in the same place could leave at the same time He didn't think he was the right man for the place.
 Alderman Duvert asked the fire committee whether the election of Mr. Cloutier was for the best inter ests of the city.
 Alderman Mullan, chairman of the fire committee. said that when Mr ClaUtier was transferred from No. , to Ne company the committee had no ca that he was going to be elect ed foreman. The men themselves elected him. He said he thought that 4Ir. Cloutier had driven No. ? truck nine times out of ten.
 Alderman Beausolei said that if Cloutier was endorsed he was afraid most of the members would resign He did not believe that Cloutier had driven the truck nine times out of ten but thought that two times out of ten would be nearer right.
 Alderman Johnson said that when Cloutier was transferred there was no thought on the part of the commit tee of his being elected foreman. As Cloutier was elected with only one opposing vote, he did not think that the men would resign. While he did not know Mr Cloutier personally, he had heard he had good record as a fireman.
 Alderman Beausoleil said he did not think that Mir Cloutier could show the men how to make coupling or to get a stream of water. He sald that Tetreault had men that could dc it. He said that if a member of the council supported MT, Cloutier he wa; not doing his duty
 Alderman Padgett took exceptions to the statement, and said that th' language used by the alderman wal unparliamentary and that other mem bers had right to their own opinions
 When asked if they were ready fo the question Alderman Padgett salC that he would like more information.
 Alderman Lapalme said that ther had been trouble in Hose No. an they wanted to put Cloutier out.
 What was the trouble?" asked Al derman Dean.
 'You can ask ex-Fire Chief May nard," replied Alderman Lapalme'
 It was stated that the night tn pump broke down, when men wer put on to watch, that liquor had bee brought to the hose house.
 Alderman Mullan said that he ha heard of it but that man went or and get it and that Mir. Cloutier WE not there.
 Referring to old conditions Hose Company's house No. ?, Aide