The news scimitar. (Memphis, Tenn.) 1907-1926, 1920-07-21
Assert They Quit.

The statement that the men were dis
charged by Commissioner Edgar Is not
borne out by the facts In the case as
outlined by the commissioner and the
mayor In discussing conferences lead
ing up TO the actual walkout OF the
firefnen last Thursday,
"Following the conference with the
firemen's grievance committee some ~
hours before noon Thursday" Mr.. Ed.
gar said, "the written resignation of all
the members OF the fire department
were handed 10 me and accepted, Later
stated publicly, that ~ any OF the
men desired TO withdraw their reslRna-
lions, II would be permitted and that
these men could remain in the depart
ment and would be welcomed, Only
one OF the old department saw III to
remain. and he will be continued as
member Of the new department with
out losing any of his rights OF con-
tinuous service.
''None of the former flremen we're
discharged. They resigned their posi-
tons and left their posts. However, IN
this connection, 1t Is well TO point out
that the rules of the union, as 1t form
erly existed, provided that when any
men failed to report for duty without
valid excuse that they could be dis
charged forthwith by the chief OF the
fire department"
Both the mayor and commissioner are
thoroughly convinced that there is
nothing further that can be done in
80 far as the former ftremen are CON
cerned and as a consequence all 81,
forts OF the city are being devoted
solely TO the reorganization OF the new
department.
Men for permanent positions are be-
ing recruited very rapidly and Com
missioner Edgar stated Wednesday that
former service men particularly from
nearby towns would be gladly accepted
for permanent positions aad that the
city would give them ample training
and assure them positions Five former
service men from a town near Mem,
pills applied IN body wednesday and
were accepted.
A number OF men from other cities
are expected daily and will be assigned
for duty as rapidly as they reach the
city. Most Of these men have had
previous experience and their activities
win strengthen the new department con
siderably.
Not only are the volunteer tiremen
sticking Ia their places but are com,
plalning because there isn't more actunI
firefighting to he done aud those men
whose names have been placed on the
reserve list are complaining because
they are not being given an opportuu-
ity to serve In the department, Fire
Commissioner John f. EdgAr sail
Wednesday.
OF course. with the assignment Of reg
ular men to the new department the
volunteers are being relieved daily,
hut they are not giving zap the Work
gracefully and complain bitterly because
there have been 80 few alarms.
Banker Rubs Engine.
Mayor Paine paid his usual daily visit
TO the fire stations Tuesdnv and about
midnight appeared at enc Of the stations
10 find John Hefln. manager OF the
federal reserve hank, busly engaged IN
rubbing OFF an engine.
Eugene Clark vice president NJ 5. NJ
Williamson and company Investment
bankers declares that he has had the
worst luck Of anybody In the volunteer
department The COMPANY to which ho
IL attached has had only two runs
since the volunteers took charge Rnl
both have occurred either Just before
g iust after Mr.. Clark's shift was on
duty.
Capt John Lippitt, one Of the mem
bers OF the volunteer fire department.
stationed at headquarters has iuaugul
ated q movement 10 have pey checks u
volunteer firemon donated to the Fire
mems Relief association. The move
ment has met with the approval of
large number Of the volunteers and
there is every indication that q neat
sum viii be turned over to the as~ucin-
tion when the new department has
been established and all volunteers re-
lieYed.