National Republican., 1877-01-30
THE NEw POLICE ro.pn.

rwta Al he
'ai oi '"o ,,o,.. .,nicials Postponed Until
---Business Session Of the
soaro' y which Mr.. Gatchci Makes SUN
a's Recommendation Looking Towards
reformation.
Seven O'Clock last evening was the hour ap-
pointed for beginning the trial OF Major Richards,
and Detectives Miller, McDevItt and Nc Elfresh,
before the Police Board. At that hour a crowd
collected In the Office Of the board ut police
headquarters and waited. The guilty dctec-
tives and their friends were in the crowd, and
kept up a buzz Of talk and excitement. The de-
tectives assumed earelessness and chatted with
their friends Mr.. X. 7. Mcrrick appeared as
counsel for McDeyitt, Mr. J: X, Elliott for Nc
Miller had no counsel, unless II was Mr.. Pelham,
who appeared in the room, but disclaimed repre-
Messrs. Gatchei, somerviiie and Cissell, OF the
Police Board, arrived quite early, but closeted
nsmsees IN ths once Of the Major and and SSRsr Sup
stairs became uneasy. Mr.. Gatohel appeared In
counsel @ % sat- saia few words TO them, AFTER when
they put on their hats and Oyercoats and prepared
not Begin thai night se The Gathering gath I % broke ap
Mr.. Merrick stayed for few minutes to argue
with Mr.. Gatchel that the accused otlcials should
not be suspended. The trial was postponed until
MIC Mr.. aatcSsi stated snsi to tho reporters when
asked for the reason Of the postPonement There
not ready"
BUSINESS SESSION.
After the room was cleared the three members
Of the board who were present held short busi-
ness session. The meeting was he with open
doors, contrary to long-established precedents.
6hsmSer Proceedings" by the reporters, who
were obliged to get what Information they could
concerning them from secrecy, and many things
transpired which were never made public. Mr..
Gatchel presided at the meeting
Mr.. Cassell submitted the accounts Of the treas
urer Of the late board, approved by the finance
Mr.. Gatchcl made an Informal report to the
board, stating tha, on Saturday morning he had i
several station houses, and asked the lieutonsnts
for reports concerning the condition OF their pre-.
cincts From their reports, he found hatthere were
II suspected gambling houses, II houses Of prosti.
tuition 6places where liquor was sold without bar
Most Of tho places selling liquor without licenses
had wholesale licenses. The lieutenants had prom.
ised to give him their support and he had found
cooperate with him In any move that might be
made.
srATIoS.uousE REFORM.
Mr.. Gatchei called the attention of the board
to the filthy condition OF some Of tho station.
houses, mentioning the seventh precinct as par
tIeua,ly hithy, and the Fiish precinct as better
stations as Q committee of the whole.
A suggestion made BY. Attorney Riddle, who
to accompany them, was received with favor.
HIGH RENTS.
Mr.. Gatchel called attention to the fact that q
rent Of go per month paid for the Seventh pre-
cinct station. house, which was badly in need OF
repair while only $50 was paid for the First pre-
cnct station, which was In much better condition
He thought that after tho present lease expired
not more than $50 ought to be paid for the Sew
enth precinct station, and not that much until It
was put In thorough repair. He favored the idea
Of giving the officers comfortable quarters to re.
tire to after performing their laborious and dlsa.
greeable duties. Most all of the leases could be
vacated by the board, when thought necessary.
THE DETECTIVE CORPS.
He said that he had been inspecting the work
ing of the detective corps, but was not yet pre-
pared to make Recommendations. He thought
that there was a lack Of organization In the
corps, and that Its members should be required to
make a report to the Major every week. There
was too much working among themselves, too
much Independence and Jealousy at present.
THE POLICE APPROPRIATIONS.
The discussion reverted to the station houses
Mr.. Somerville stated that the police appropria-
tion was so small that no money could be spared
for the station. houses.
The secretary, Mr.. Arnold, stated that the
station. house fund was not Ia the hands Of tho
board, but of the District Commissioners.
Mr.. Gatchel remarked that they would make
q fuss about It. and the board resolved II self into
a committee Of the whole to wait upon the Dis
trict Commissioners
The board then went into executive session to
consider applications for liquor licenses.