Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1878-01-22
Report Of Investigating Committee,

On Tuesday night last, the Committee ap'
pointed under the resolution of Councilman J.
B. Evans to investigate the conduct of the Pc.
lice. presented the following report which was
adopted:
THAT large crowds did gather at various
points in the city and fired off large quantities
of pop crackers and made a great noise. blow
ing horns. &c. But there is no evidence tend
ing to show that life was exposed to .destruc-
ton, or property, only so far as likely to be
from the indiscriminate firing of op-crackers;
or that gross and premeditated intimidation
and insult was offered to members Of the City
Council either at their private residences OF
elsewhere. On the contrary, the evidence
sho that the noisy crowds were composed in
large measure OF gentlemen who were the
warm, personal friends of the parties sere-
naded, were identified with the interests of the
city In all respects. and were men who would
assistance to any crowd which they supposed
either intended to offer insult or intimidation
to the above mentioned parties. The evidence
also goes to show that 1t would have been q
very difficult matter for the police to have ar
rested any of the parties violating the city ordi-
nances on the nights of the oath and 25th, as the
witnesses. who were in the crowds, testified that
they could not tell who the parties were who
were firing the pop-craekers Some of the wit
nesses said that they did not think less than
one hundred policemen could have maintained
perfect order.
Your Committee report that number of wit
the police force of the city, and their evidence
shows them to be prompt and efficient, and at
all times ready to render any assistance in their
power, not only in arresting criminals in the
city. but on number of occasions have assist
ed the county officers in making important ar
rests. The Mayor of the city. Capt. VIM. L.
Ba. this says that he regards the police force OF
the city as good and efficient one, for their
number and experience, and also thinks that
they are constantly improving in efficiency
We think that the Mayor would have q better
opportunity of Judging of the efficiency of the
police than any one not officially connected
with them could possibly have.
Your Committee report that there was no evil
the city was engaged in violating any ordinance
of the city ON the nights of Dec 24th and 25th
In conclusion, the Committee will say that
eye witnesses testified that the police did dis
perse the crowds on more than one occasion,
and the Mayor stated that they were compelled
to be engaged at so many points that they could
not be present at all of them.
For the reputation of our city abroad, which
was likely to be discreditably affected by the
preamble and resolution referred to- had they
port, and are sure that your honorable body
will share this feeling with your Committee.
Your Committee regrets that temporary ILL
ness in his family deprived them Of the valua-
from the attendance of Mr.. Witt.
Your Committee respectfully ask to be dis
charged from the further consideration of the
whole subject.
Respectfully submitted,
I. A. COCHRAN, Chm'n,
". II. WELLER,
The members of the Council present at the
time the reportwas made were Messrs. Abby,
Burke, Byers, Bagby, Cochran, Powell. Todd,
and Weller, all of whom voted for the report