The Mayor Moves Against the Fire Commissioner

Mayor Phelps forwarded to the council a formal letter preferring charges against Fire Commissioner George T. Masel and calling a special session for Thursday evening to investigate them. In his communication the mayor said that on May 1, 1895, he had suspended Masel from the office of fire commissioner for the following reasons:

First — That George T. Masel does not possess the qualifications required by the city charter for the office of fire commissioner.

Second — That since his election to the office he has been guilty of conduct tending to interfere with, and has interfered with, the discipline, good order and efficiency of the fire department.

Third — That he has attempted to dictate, and has dictated, to the chief of the fire department in the matter of appointments to the force.

Fourth — That he has attempted to interfere, and has interfered, with the chief of the fire department in the performance of his duties and in the control of the force.

Fifth — That George T. Masel is not a fit or competent person for the office of fire commissioner, and his longer retention as such officer will interfere with the efficiency and proper management of the fire department of the city of Seattle.

The mayor then announced the calling of a special session at 8 o'clock on Thursday evening in the house of delegates to hear and determine the charges.