Fire Commissioner Lantry Resigns.

Fire Commissioner Lantry Resigns.

Francis James Lantry, fire commissioner of New York city, has resigned, and the mayor has accepted his resignation. In his letter to Mayor McClellan announcing his intention to resign, Mr. Lantry writes as follows as to his work in the fire department: “I have brought to the performance of the duties of that office all of the same effort and energy and such administrative ability as I possess, if anything even in a greater degree, and have prided myself on the fact that I have brought that department to such a state of efficiency and had succeeded in establishing such an esprit de corps in the uniformed force as would serve as an absolute guarantee that this city possesses, as I conscientiously believe, the best fire department in the world. During the past few weeks, however, through circumstances beyond my, if not beyond all human control, criticism, and animadversion have been leveled against that department. For the moment it would be idle to discuss the animus behind the same, but I have been credibly informed that the fire insurance companies of this city have laid hold of it as a pretext to increase their rates—a matter which is of direct concern to our entire community. 1 know such a condition is unwarranted, and yet notwithstanding my conscientious performanct of the duties of my office an atmosphere of doubt and anxiety has been created which it would be the duty of every public-spirited citizen to allay. To the end, therefore, that, so far as the administration of the fire department of this city is concerned, there should be no possible ground of objection on the part of the insurance companies or any other bodies or parties which may have an interest therein, direct or indirect, I beg herewith to tender my resignation.” Mayor McClellan, in accepting Mr. Lantry’s resignation, thanks him for his "loyalty of purpose” and expresses his belief that the "people of New York will appreciate [his] motives in resigning from the fire commissionership.” In Mayor McClellan’s first administration the late commissioner filled the position of commissioner of charities, and on October 10, 1906, the Mayor appointed him to succeed John H. O’Brien, his immediate predecessor who had been made commissioner of water supply, gas and electricity, he accepted the office.

George W. Babb, president of the New York Board of Underwriters, absolutely denies that insurance rates have been raised in the city since Mr. Lantry has been in office. “The only recent increase was a slight one, soon after the San Francisco fire.”