The Mayor Tells the Fire Commission Who's Boss

The never-ceasing fight of Fire Commissioner Meek against Chief Hunt bobbed up at the monthly meeting of the commissioners last evening, and in consequence Mayor Phelps spoke a few words, informing Mr. Meek that he was tired of the jangle, and would let the commissioners know when he wanted a new fire chief.

Mr. Meek had evidently given the matter deep thought, for he had a nicely written document, in which he said that under an amendment to the charter the term of every appointive officer expires on the last day of each year, and as there was no provision to the contrary concerning the fire chief, who had not been reappointed since his term expired, he desired that the office of chief be declared vacant, and that the board proceed to appoint a chief. He did not forget to bring in a reference to another amendment to the charter requiring that the chief be confirmed by the city council in joint session.

Commissioner Kahaley said he was not acquainted with the amendments, and Jones said he was in the same fix and would move that the resolution be referred to a committee to investigate. He would be unavoidably absent from the city for fifteen days. Masel seconded the motion. Then Meek said that the matter ought to be settled immediately, and moved to amend the motion so that it would call for a report next Friday.

Jones said he did not think there would be disastrous results if the matter rested until he got back, and he wanted to be present at the meeting. Kahaley said he did not want to have the meeting without Jones being present, but immediately seconded the motion as made by Meek. On the vote there was a tie, Jones and Masel being against the motion, Meek and Kahaley in favor.

Mayor Phelps gave a short, quick laugh, took his glasses in his hand, and said: "Now, gentlemen, I see plainly that this matter is aimed at the removal of Chief Hunt. When I get ready to have the chief removed I will let you know. I am going to have a chief of police and chief of the fire department that I know and have confidence in, and I will use my power to retain such. I am willing to have the matter about expiration of appointive officers' terms settled. The amended motion is lost."

It was then decided to have Meek and Masel investigate the matter of appointive officers and report at the next regular meeting.

The report of Commissioners G. T. Masel and J. L. Kahaley recommending changes in the location of fire alarm boxes was adopted: Box 14, from Yesler and Third streets to Marion and Second streets; box 63, from Third and Jackson to Temperance and Harrison streets; box 64, from Third and Weller to Third and Jackson streets; box 127, from Madison and Rose to Madison and Jones streets; box 83, to be placed on Madison and Chestnut streets.

A vote of thanks was extended to J. W. Van Brocklin for his services in connection with the Yesler Avenue fire house, which he constructed for $2,751.99, including unexpected expenses, against an estimate of $2,800.

The action of Chief Hunt in sending assistance to Ballard during the Stimson dry kiln fire was approved, but there came near being trouble when it was learned that the foreman or some other official of the mill said the Seattle fire department did not render any assistance. The resignation of A. C. Shaneman from the Fremont Hose Company was accepted and Marion Meek appointed to the position. J. N. Hobbs was granted thirty days' additional leave of absence.