The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1883-03-21
THE POLICE COMMISSIONERS
appointment of v. T. Malott, John
w. Murphy and John p. Frenzel.
The Two First Named Not Likely to Accept
What They Say About the Matter
Proceedings of the State Officers.

The metropolitan police commissioners have at
last beef appointed, and the vexatous suspense
which has disturbed all peace Of mind in the Six
teenth ward for nearly three weeks, where every
other man is an aspirant for the authority of
"AIet" officer, is quieted The board of State Off
GERS met yesterday afternoon shortly after
O'Clock in the Governors ofiice,and in secret
session for an hour Preliminary TO business some
time was consumed in passing pleasantries,
and an occasional outOurst of laughter
within the secret , chamber indicated
that good numor prevailed, al
though 1t is evident that there was some dissen-
sion in the matter of the appointments. The
names OF all who have been announced as candi-
dates were mentioned, and from among these
the ones acceptable TO majority of the board
were chosen. No ballot was taken, but there
was simply an informal selectionlof three men,
and their appointment was made matter OF
record The men appointed were John P. Fren-
EEL John w. Murphy and VOlney t. Malott All
are well known citizens and business men, but
to the people VINO have been ''making states"
the appointment of Mr.. Murphy and Mr.. MalOtr
is something of surprise Their acceptance is
questionable, the position is likely to require
more time than they would care to devote to it.
WHAT THE APPoINTEEs SAY.
Shortly after the appointments were an
| nounced a Journal reporter called at the whole
sale dry-goods house of Murphy, Hibben & &C.,
on South Meridian street, and Mr.. Murphy, after
being informed of his appointment as one of the
commissioners, was asked If he would accept the
position. 81 can give answer TO the question
now, as have given the matter no thought" he
replied.
"Have you been consulted in regard to the ap-
pointnent2"
nnlxr iy1ff f1o
was a suggestion made to me yesterday, but
have not thought of 1t seriously, and have, in
fact, given it no consideration whatever"
"What considerations would be likely to influ-
ence your decision4"
''Ihe time which the duties would require and
the responsibilities and powers OF the position.
cannot afford TO allow it to interfere in any way
with my business. will say, however, that II
had any desire to accept the position, there are
no gentlemen who would be more acceptable to
me on this board than Mr.. Frenzel and Mr.. Ma
| lett"
The Merchants National Bank was next Wis
| tied, and Mr.. Frenzel, the president, was asked
il he had reached any conclusions relative to the
| acceptance of the position, The news of the APP
pointment had not reached him, and he was
| evidently happily surprised when he learned
| that 1t had been made. After some hesitation,
| he said: 81 will accept"
"Then will you resign your position as one OF
| the board of school commissioners"
az have not yet learned whether the law Will
permit Inc to hold the two positions, but shall
certainly not resign " ember of the school
| board The position is one to which was elected
| by the people, and shall not renqush it,"
The opinion of the Attorney-general upon the
prerOgative to hold two lucrative public offices
| was sought by journal reporter. Judge HUrd
stated it was point of constitutional law that
10 man could hold two public offices of profit at
the same time, where the duties of one office
| inconsistent with those of the other. Members
| of city or town council, however,
| ception to the law. He was OF the opinion that
| the duties Of school commissioner nd
| police commissioner would be inconsistent, and
| that one man could legally FIJI the two posi-
/ tions. From this view, however, several at
Members of the school board are allowed no
| salary, and 1t was upon the understanding that
| 1t was lucrative position that the Attorney
general gave hiG opinion.
Mr.. Mal0tu returned TO the city last evening
| from his trip down the Ohio river the relief
expeditionbu he refused to state whether or not
| he would accept the position until after he had
been formally notified of his appointment by
| the board 1t is authoritatively stated. however
that his acceptance Is very doubtful
WHO THE COMMISSIONERS ARE
Both Mr. MaotJ and Mr.. Murphy have large
business interests, which they cannot afford to
neglect, and friends of both men think that they
will not accept the appointments. Mr.. Malott
is president of the Indiana National Bank and
vice-president of the Wabash Railway Company.
Mr., Murphy is the senior member OF the firm OF
| Murphy. Hibben & Co., wholesale dry goods
Dealers and is also interested in other business
| enterprises. Mr.. Frenzel is president of the
Merchants National Bank. All are well-known
business mon of high standing.
| Governor Porter stated In conversation, yes
| terday afternoon, that the meetin 9
| of the board was very agreea bic
| and harmonious, When asked II the
| appointment OF Mr.. Malotr was made upon his
| suggestion, he replied that it was not but that
| it seemed to have been agreed upon accepta-
| BILE and was proposed. When asked if there had
| been any dissenting vote upon any of the men
appointed, his answer was that he would prefer
| to say nothing upon the matter.
No action was taken upon the appointment of
| the commissioners for Evansville, but another
meeting will probably be held i'll a few days to
| consider the matter