New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1855-03-22
ALLEGED CORRUPTION AND EXTOR-
TION BY POLICEMEN.
STARTLING DEVELOPMENTS.

We mentioned the fact in The TRIBUNE, few
DAYS ago, that an investigation was being had before
the proper authorities in relation to several Police
men, charged with having drawn heavily, and in an
exoronate manner, upon various propretors OF dis'
orderly houses. Since them more testimony has been
taken, which develops state OF facts nothing like
which has heretofore to light in this City, con-
nectod with the Police Department-exposins regi-
lar practice of leYying heavy contributions on the
keepers of vile dens and in case he amount OF money
demarded was not promptly forthcoming, prosecu-
tons pushed even to indictment by the Graud jury,
were the consequence.
Tbis matter is now before Meyer Wood, and by him
lie being thoroughly sited For the credit OF the City
and the Police Department in particular, the parties
charged with being concerned in thu sha neial ahAr
should, and no doubt will, be promptly dismissed
from the public service If the charges preferred are
substan,a,ed by unimpeachable witnesses. The Ward
referred to s the Fourth, district known by all con-
verssn, with City life, have within it, limits number
less low groggeries filthy brottels, and disorderly
dance .houses the latter to be found mostly in Water
and Cherry The keepers of these places, in many
instances, have made fortunes, and rather than be
prosecuted by the Police, have submit ed 10 series
Of prosecutions by way Of periodical De nands Tor
money, until they could longer submit TO il, and
for their protection were compelled to bring tue
matter before the Mayor for investigation. One
man, formerly keeping r house in Water.-,.,
who has been sufferer, described, has
made affidavit TO having paid a citizen s75, in
April last, who was to give the amount to police
man of the Fourth WARD for the purpose Of staying
and settling 6 criminal prosecution which had been
commenced before one OF the magistrates. Another
resident of Water St makes oath to paying the same
policeman $50 for similar purpose while another
person in the same neghborhood tesrifes voluntarily
to giving $50 to this bright particular star, the
consideration that he to watch his place with
Argus eye, and protec; his interest far as lay in
his power, while he the proprietor of the disordery
place should be absent from the City. Two men
made sfidavits, one to paying $40 and the other
500, TO Jack Montgomery keeper Of notorious
house in Water-st., TO have complaints which had
been preferred, Withdrawn and settled. lett possible
that the police received money through this man
Montgomery, and used their influence after pocket
ing the cash. to settle charges which had been made
perhaps, for no other than extoronate purpose.
This is the inference to be drawn but if it sincorect
the question is what right had Montgomery to receive
the money, and what did be do with it after il came
into his possession But the complaints set
tied after the money paid over, the presumption
is that it was not Mon.gomerys influence at all which
put everlasting quetus to the charges bat that the
result was etfected through the star.oflicisls
What the witnesses above referred to gave evidence
Of, is bad enough but what appears in another aii
dsvt quite lays them in the shade and exhibits pic.
ture almost too incredible for any one to believe but
il is sworn TO- and, therefore, is entitled to credence
Peter Dawaon was summoned witness and being
called upon, made oath to paying one policeman 90;
also, lending him coat, which he never returned
sending his wife s23, which he the policeman did
not want to take himself and further that this official
logged him night after night asking for few shil-
lings 10 get his supper with--which amounts were
usually paid-and that he was finally asked to come
down TO the tune of $50 more, but, rather thaa
submit longer to such oppression and robbery Dawson
Yves compelled sell his place and abandon the street
and neighborhood. 1t is alleged by the parties who
have su, red in this way, tina, thousands oil dolar'
have been wrung from those keeping public places in
the Fourth Ward by the Police Of that District this,
however may be so, but as yet, does not appear IS
evidence.
Many who have disgorged freely, It is now said,
are afraid TO come and tell the truth, and prefer
charges, lest By doing they gain the l-will and
bring down upon them the wrath of the Police Sew.
era officers are connected in the unple ant business.
but one in particular played the bodest part, l. e.
demanding and receiving the money from his victims
This official, it is understood will be suspended to-
dsy, until his alleged participation in the charges
brought can be fully and thoroughly inquired into
which, as We before ita,ed to be speedily done by
the Mayer and 0tbsr Police Commissioners.