The New York herald., 1875-10-09
srArLETox, s. l., Oct, 8, 1875.
THE POLICE COMMISSIONERS.

THE MAYOR ASKS THEM TO RESIGN-THEY ARE
RETIcENT AND FEARFUL.
Tho Police Commissioners of the city of New York
startled yesterday by the receipt of letters di-
rected to the individual members of the Board signed
by William H. Wickham Mayor, charging
tain members OF the Police Commission with violations
of their oaths OF Office and giving them the privilege
OF refutng the charges contained within his letter be-
fore October 13 or in default rendering their resig
nations The spread rapidly through the va
precincts and each captain of police spurred TO
unusual activity, tried to cover himself by placing
uniformed officers in front of every gambling den from
the Battery to Morrisania
A HERALD reporter met Mayor Wickham during the
afternoon and asked for copy OF his letter He re-
Piled ~ have nothing to say but would be glad il the
Police Commissioners should resign" The reporter
then called upon Police Commissioner Disbecker. He
was found consultation with his counsel M Strahan
REPoRTER-I would like to ascertain what you re-
ccived from Mayor Wckham to-day in regard to your
tenure Of office
Mr. DsBEcKRR-I have nothing to say.
REPoRrsR-Will you give me a copy of his lctterP
Mr.. DsBEcKER-I cannot tell you anything.
REPoRrER-Have you agreed with the other members
OF the Police Commission not to give that letter the
pubhcY
Mr. DrsBEcKER-I am now in consultation with my
counsel Until he tells me what shall do have moth
ing to say.
RRPoRTER-You have until the 18th to answer these
charges, have you notY
Mr.. DIssEcK ER-Piease excuse me; cannot answer
The reporter then visited Commissioner MatselL The
veteran detective cool, calm and very reticent
REPoRTER-Mr. Maisell, please give me your ideas ne
to the effect Of the letter you received from the Mayor
to-day.
President hATsELI--I should be glad TO do So but
havo not the right to make the matter public.
REPoRTER-You have until the 18th to answer. Are
you ashamed the Chief of the Police of New York
TO tell the people what the Mayor has said to your
Mr.. MATsKLL-I am not; but am not at liberty TO
say what would gladly tell you.
REPoRTRR-Mr Maisell, as the representative Of tho
people ask you to give me copy of the letter ad
dressed to you by Mayor Wekham to-day requesting
you answer his charges tender your resignation
Will you give me that copyS
Mr.. MATsxLI-I cannot
The reporter then called at the residence OF Mayor
Wckham. He was graciously received.
REPoRTER-Mr. Wickham, what viii be the effect OF
the refusal OF the Police Commissioners to reply your
personal letter of charges sent to-day II they DO not
ply before the time you have given them,
Mayor WIcKHAM-lf such letters have been sent, to
what time do you refer9
REPoRTRR-The thirteenth.
Mayor WicKHAM, (astonished)-where did you get
RgPoRrER-will you give me a copy OF your letter
tonight sir
Mayor wrcKHAM-I cannot Neither do I intend to
deviate from what consider my duty. When the pub
lie interest requires TO make my letter to the Police
Commissioners public property | shall not hesitate
20 give It, Al present you must excuse me
from giving you the contents Of that letter.
II the Police Commissioners gave II that will be
The reporter then visited Commissioner Voorhis
That Commissioner said that he not OF the
contents Of the letter sent by Mayor Wickham.
RRpoRTER-Will you resign2
Mr.. VooRHIs-I cannot tell whether will resign or
not In fact, do not know whether there is anything
in the letter which calls upon me to relinquish my
ofhcc.
REPoRrRR-whats the purport OF that letter from
the Mayor2
Mr.. vooRms-I am not at liberty TO state It.
RRPoRTER-Did you promise any one not to tell the
contents OF that letter.
Mr. VooRms-I cannot answer
REPoRTER-When did you get the letter.
Mr. VooRHrs-At the time OF the receipt OF the letter
was engaged IN paying OF the cartmen employed by
this department. and really did not have time TO look