The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1879-01-27
ERHARDT's ACCUSATIONS.
The Police board Fuss-Comments Some
OF the Matters In Dispute.

The charge OF drunkenness preferred by
Police Commissioner Erhardt against follow
mombers Of the Board made stir in police
and political circles yesterday. 1t was asst rted
that the Commissioners rarely meet without n
quarrel. but that Smith. Erhardt. and Nichols
were lately seen walking together in h igh glee as
though over Joke. and that harmony was there
fore anticipated for the future city official with
possible bias. said Erhardt wishes TO rule.
and though Commiss oner Wheeler is moderate
In his opposition. Smith and Nichols are deter
mined that he shall not haye his way. ,Erhardt
Is said TO have been very dictatorinl when Pro-
vost Marshal In this city during the war. and
perpetualy in conflict with others in authority.
an individual. TO interfere with the working OF
OF the force than private citizen. The Board
alone has control, and should act through the
Superintendent In lieu Of this. Erhardt is
charged with detailing men personally on GER
tain duties. and notably those OF watching the
conduct of captains and sergeants. AS was tho
watch Capt irving and subsequently to give
the testimony against him which caused his
man OF the Committee on Rules and Discipline"
a defender Of Commissioners Erhardt said:
Ho knows what he Is about and mis- charges
Of intemperance, mean business. He really
wants to reform the department"
An Impression prevails that the new Mayor
intends TO remodel the Board. The hope is ex-
pressed by members OF the force that. should
such he the case. no new rules viii be added 10
tho $50 now in existence. against only 800 in
1857. 1t is said that no member can pass
twenty -four hours without infringing ono or
moreof them and rendering himself liable To a
ilno II reported.
II is thought impossible for the police to en-
force the Excise laws said an officer. ycster-
day. on account OF the political influence OF
saloon keepers. Patrolmen are in the habit OF
receiving drinks and cigars from barroom doors
at night and often OF pO'keting bottle OF
brandy or whiskey and therefore wink at any
transgrcssions of the law on the part of the
donors. An impression also exists among them
that tho law is unjust and should not BE- en-
forced. An additional cause OF demorali2ation
lies in the belief that should any police officer
do his duty and effoct an arrest political friends
Of the saloon keeper would cause his removal
to another precinct With an apparent inter-
est In the officer. they represent 10 the Board
thnt he wishes to be removed, and ask for his
transfer as a favor 10 himself. Tho demand
Is understood. Mother tho man nor his
captain is consulted, and his transfer is forth
with ordered by majority OF votes, He II there
fore subjected either to moving his family to
tho new precinct. or 10 the Inconvenience Of go-
ing long distance from his home to his point
OF duty. and spending money for meals which
he would otherwise cat at home"
As to the reduction Of police pay. 1t has been
arranged that ut tho end OF January every mem-
Der of tho force will give his receipt under pro-
test A captain. n sergeant, patrOlmun, and u
doormAn Will then sue for tho amount OF the
reduction, aud in casn OF defeat will carry tho
suit to the Court Of Appeals.