Seattle Fire Commissioner Suspended Amidst Hose Scandal

Another sensation took place in the fire department muddle last evening, when Mayor Phelps sent a letter to Commissioner George T. Meel informing him that he was suspended, and that as soon as possible a copy of the charges would be sent to him. The cause of this suspension is that at the last meeting of the commission, Mr. Masel made a motion to accept and order the chief to put in use 1,000 feet of Baker hose, many lengths of which were tested at headquarters and found to be totally unfit for use. The mayor did not take anyone into the secret of his intended action. He followed this up by appointing Josiah Collins, Jr., to fill Masel's place. When the commission met at City Hall, Mayor Phelps stated he had suspended Masel. Commissioner Meek took issue with the mayor on the appointment of Collins, claiming that it could not be done until the legally elected officer was removed by the council. The mayor said he was acting on the advice of Corporation Counsel Scott. The commission then adjourned without electing a new chief, leaving the department in a state of administrative limbo.