The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1875-10-16
VIII NOT 40 OUT or OFFICE.
Commissioners Mat-eli and Disbccker Chal-
lenginE the Mayor TO Put Them on Trial
Tho Principal Points in Their Defence.


Police Commissioners Matsell and Dis
becker told Mayor wckham yesterday why
they will not resign. President Matsell was
represented bv Elbridee 4. Gerry, and John T.
Strahln presented Commissioner Disbeckers $
ease. Mr.. Dsbecker's plea is a very long docu-
ment. At the outset he reminds the Mayor that
when his CDisbecker'sl resignation was demand
ed by Mayor Havemeycr not only did wickham
urge him tn retain his Ofica position, but that
no even said that the Mayor was overstepping
his province In asking tho head Of n department
to resign. The Mayors charge that the police
are inefficient and demoralized. Commits
sioner Dsbccker declares to be unfoundcd.
The Commissioner adds that the Mayor has in
nably greeted the Commissioners with COm-
mendation for official efficiency for the past
nine months until the time Of presenting the
cnafges. The Commissioners further saws that
under the board Of which he is "A member pub-
lie gambling has been forbidden aud no longer
exists; that the expenditures OF the Street
Cleaning bureau are greatly abridged, anu that
the streets are cleaner than ever before. Inc
Commissianer also denies that any member Of
the force has been deprived of hts right to n trial
Oh cdarses preferred against him.
t. spccilcation 6. relating to the alleged APP
plying bv MIR. :. G. Hiwlcy of the property of
the department to his own use and his contn-
uance in fervice by the board, Mr. DisbecNcr re-
mitted thc opinion that Nh. Hawley had dis
proved every allegation.
10 the charge that the board after being re-
unlawful places and pursuits. such a. gambling
aud panel houses. has not required captains to
do their duty IN suppressing them, Commits
siOner Disbeceer replies that the board has vx-
erci-ed its fun legal power in every case where
specific informaion has been given.
In closing. MIR. Disbccker challenges the Mayor
70 give him far trial.
Commissioner Matsell's reply to the Mayors
charges insists that the Mayor has no legal night
power or authority to hold him tNatseln respon.
stblc Tor an, Of the acts thar are charged upon
| the hoard, and he denies that he has ever been
! An a. lf lla
| conduct as an indNidLal Commis-iuner. lie
| further denies Il at any present mi,governmenl
| OF the police force has been shown by recent
or other DEVELOPMENTS" much less has IL beer
| shown that the department i insufficient to
| the protection ~ persons and properly, or fol
! the prevention and detection "f crime. lie aud'
tnat ne has not been careless OF the repui atiu u
! oi the omceB under his supe vision, or admin
| istered the rules OF the department unjustly o
| with partially, or been at all wanting IN re
| spect. consideration ana courtesy for his col
Commissioner Matsell further says that tn,
| Police Commissioners have made rules for th,
government OF the police force In conformlt,
| with the existing laws Of the state and ordi
| nauces of the city; that he is well acQuainte,
| with all the state laws bearing upon the munt
! cipal police force, and tn II the law intende,
| that gaming implements should be destroye,
! on the acquittal Of the gambler, 1t would he II
| the Constitution, and that rules TO prevent tn
| undue detention Of prisoner have been passe,
| 10y the board IN exact accordance with section
| 81 OF the Laws of 1873, chapter as. Presiden
aatsell continues with the following brief oio
| graphical sketch:
In the year 1910 became aeqnainted with your lat
revered predecessor, the Hon. William Frederick havc
| meyer and secured his ap rOyi.g confidence by uu
| ceasing labors season ana Of season, for IN
| public safety He appointed me Chief Of Police, ~hic
reeponsple position held through seven succcssiy
| MAY oraltes without fingle whit pcr ggAust my II
| tegriiy. | desire no higher cummeudatiOn than ia
fact that his faith To never abaied. Than Mr. Hav,
meyer, IO man knew me better. His confidence IN N
prUbity aud abilities gained from close CugniZauce
| my whole career, led him, When called ssaih to IN
| MAyoraty, In the emergency of 1873. to favor n
appon chief executive Officer Of the force.
Liter 10 appointment by him as Commissioner q
| Police.
| specific charges.