The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1871-08-24

working OF the POnce COMMISSION In Jersey City-
the offspring OF Bumsted legislation. Evils have
grown up unchecked, glaring offences on the part
OF officers have been covered up and condoned. the
Commissioners have played hail.feow.well-m
with the captains, sergeants and patrolemen, and
the public had not only
LOST ALL FAITH IN THE BOARD,
but had settled down to the conviction that 1t must
be tolerated as an evil which could not be sur
mounted until next November, when the people
VIII have an opportunity to select men who will
bring the agents Of misgovernment to judgment
When Cunningham the murderer was ON trial, q
patrolman named Harvey actually entered the court
and was caught In the act Of tampering with the
jury. Judge Bedle imposed fine upon him, directed
HIM 10 leave the court and said that the appoint
ment OF such men on the police force was
DISGRACE TO THE COMMISSION.
1t was considered by everybody throughout the
city that his expulsion was inevitable after this re-
Duke from the bench. committee was appointed
by the Police Commissioners to investigate the
case; but that committee never reported from that
day to thus, and Harvey still yields his club.
But the case Of Charles W. Mahon, Captain of the
First precinct so far outsrrips and
ovERsHADOws ALL OTHERS
In point Of dcpravty that 1t Is the only one which
engages public attention just now 1t appears that
on the evening Of the sth OF August Cornea Green,
young girl, nineteen years Of age, who resides
with her aunt. Mrs. Griffin cher father and mother
being dead), was sent from her residence, No. 10
Newark avenue, Jersey CITY, by ner aunt, for some
milk and mustard. On her way she en-
countered Mahon, who descended from the
steps Of the City Hall and entered into conversation
with her. She Informed him OF her errand and told
him that she had tried many places but could not
get the milk. He induced her to 60 with him to
Erie street, where he said there was milk depot
just opposite his house. When they arrived at the
place he asked her TO go into his mouse for a few
minutes, but the girl promptly refused. Then
was brought into play. "Only for few minutes;
Just come in ti you see what house I've got and
up,' and While saying these words he took hold Of
her arm, led her up the stoop, opened the door,
pecttng girl was in
The nendish work OF That night will not be here
detailsd. The picture would be too revolving.
night OF terror and despair TO that poor fOrsaken,
unprotected orphan girl, with no one near TO help
away, but they could not hear her voice. A hun.
dred times the thought dashed across her mind that
liverance from the hons den. And then the recOl
lection that, almost within reach Of aid, she was
IRRETRIEyABLY RUINED,
ana Heaven looking down and withholding its chas.
Using hand from the destroyer drove her to istrac-
lon. Mahon took the precautIon to inform her that
and that he was the sole occupant OF the house, so
thar any attempt at alarm on her part would not
carry revolvers, rendered her
PONERLESS IN HIS GRASP.
Morning came and she left the house, MahOn fol.
lowing her, vet she exchanged not word with him.
Her uncle and aunt had searched for her In several
e e CITY sna ae e to the police
that when she returned to their house she was at
onos questioned as TO her ABSENCE she had neye.
where she had spent the night she hesitated to
reply. She was pale and sickly, and after the lapse
OF an hour she was selzed with q nervous trembling.
She hal Deen subject to nervous affections for four
years, and was undergoing medical treatment. AS
REVEALED THE HORRIBLE DISCLOSURES
ner uncle saTted up and became greatly agtaed
excitement he lefi the house and set out 10 shave
satisfaction" After consulting with his friends he
Wit was made by ner, setting forth the details OF the
crime. In the meantime Mahon!
Roasted OF THE CRIME,
even in the vicinity OF the police station and within
the hearing OF those who were wont to regard a
man In his position as protector, not destroyer
would be deemed SUFFICIENT, in many parts Of this
country by an indignant public, to Justify resort to
the court OF
AS the case became known public excitement was
aroused and Cher OF Police McWnliams found It
the Police Commissioners. A day was appointed
for the trial, but, quorum not being present, the
trial was postponed. Another day was appointed
and there was a second postponement. Tiercupon
MIR. Pritchard, President OF the Board, informed
all all parties &c, mat the case would positively
ready or not That meeting was fixed Ior day
evening at half.past seven O'Clock. After long
delay quorum was present. The Commissioners
present were President Pritchard and Messrs.
GOetZc, Hutton and Gross.
TIE COURT ROOM WAS CROWDED,
while hundreds oitered outside. Small Knots could
be seen al the street corners discussing the case.
sitting inside the railing on chair belonging to
OF the absent commissioners was Mahou, his legs
thrown up on a desk in incOnvenient proximity to
the head OF Commissioner Hutton, who seemed
quite c0nfOunded at this unprecedented display OF
what the world regards as "cheek," but which
would be more property termed in this case bold
DEFIANCE OF PUBLIC OPINION
A brazen hardlhOod took the place OF shame, and
ne seemed conscious OF strength against all
by the support rendered him in every reverse Of
a a. the crowd without winclng picked his
and donned all the airs Of q bridegroom at a wed.
ding feast. The sight was positively disgusting.
Ninety nine out OF one hundred men would have
ned from the city If charged with such an offence
supported by such proof.
especial notice, for 1t can be safely that it
NO PARALLEL IN THE CIVILIZED WORLD
or outside OF civilization, where trial granted to
an offender: Mahon frequently walked up to Com.
missioner Gross, chatted, laughed and sat down
accused rested his hand in the most familiar man.
ner on the Judges shoulder, while he whispered
only exempt from the COMMON Hss s; !9 Of uman
nature can decidefaccording to the evidence only,
ana mods OF recoen, III Which passed Sesween
these two characters in the performance, however,
1mpelled every beholder to the conclusion that the
god Of justice had the bandage removed from mis-
eyes.
The next feature to be noticed was not only
AN OUTRAGE ON THE FREEDOM OF THE PRESS,
but in direct violation Of the City Charter. The
spectators were all cleared out, which was a very
proper proceeding, though Commissioner Gross
moved TO haze the trial made pubic. Had this
motion prevailed the dread OF making such an ex.
posture before crowd attracted by mere curiosity
would probably have prevented the girl from ap.
pearing at all, and there would be an end to the
case. IL such penalty must be paid by female
seeking at0nement Tor ruined honor many would
SHRINK FROM 1T AS THEY WOULD FROM DEATH
But when the crowd was cleared out the President
arose. and, with an air OF gravity and yet IN q
very courteous manner, informed the representa-.
tlves OF the press that 1t was the desire OF the
Board and OF counsel on both sides that
the testimony OF the girl should not
adm0niuon 10 The Bohemian penny -a-liners
who thrive only on sensations; but TO journalists
whose sense OF proprcty forbIds anything OF the
kind IL was entirely uncal!ed for The President,
however, went farther when he politely requested the
MEMBERS or THE PRESS TO LEAVE TIE COURT.
The request was compiled with, and the law as
laid city charter was thereupOn Violated