Morning journal and courier., 1883-08-01
Using His Club.

Officer SelIeck Admits That He CIubbed & Man the Night Elmer P. Howe was Hurt Other Testimony The
 Morgue-Omcer Meryin's Plea-What was Done in Executive Session.
 The Police Commissioners met last even- ing. Present, Mayor Lewis, presiding, President Sloat, Coroner BolIman and Con- missioners Catlin, O'Brien, Hart, Shelton and Clerk Pigott.
 The first case brought before the comm is- sioners was statement presented by Wm. Merwin, through his counsel, Lawyer Zach CT. MT. MerWin asked for pay for 123 1-2 days in all on which he had been obliged to be off duty in consequence of illness result ing from fall on January 3, 1882, while on duty under orders of Captain Hyde. Dr.. Chapman was called. He testified that he had attended Officer Merwin while he was ill. The trouble was injury to the spinal column. A disordered action of the heart, from which he never could truly recover re- suited. The days lost were after August 15, 1882. The case was tabled.
 Bills wenarpresented and approved to the amount of $S, 496.3S, pay roll, and $151.96, miscellaneous bills. Dr. Phillips was pres- ent and spoke before the commissioners up- on the subject of patroliing the police. He said there were large districts in the outer portion of the city which were not supplied policemen fully enough to protect life and property. The need was not for more po- Hcemen, but better mode of patrolIing the men, so that they would be within call at 8 few moments notice. He suggested that the streets in the central portion of the city be fully patrolled as at present, and that in the outer districts stations he To- cated from whence help could be summoned. These stations should he supplied with teams which would be always in readiness for 8 call. There might be system of communication with these stations, somewhat similar to the fire alarm system. Mayor Lewis objected that there would be impositions by irrespon- sible and malicious persons, who would call the police for no cause unless some system be provided to make such interference im- possible The city of Chicago has system similar to the one proposed. Dr. Phillips tral police office which could be subject to call from out lying portions of the city it would be great improvement. The matter will come again before the board.
 The case of the clubbing of Elmer P. Howe, of Boston, on the college campus on the night of the 25th of June, which was continued from last week, was taken up. Some of the officers who were not present last week gave their testimony in regard to the affair.
 Officer Selleck testified that he was sent up to the college campus on the night in ques- ton, in company with Officer Hackett. They went upon the campus and when the crowd l rushed down to the Green they followed. When on the corner of College and Chapel, he saw a man come across the street and placed himself just in front of Officer Stewart and man whom he had in custody. Supposing that the man was going to try to take away Stew | arts prisoner, Officer Selleck said he struck l him over the back of the head with his club. l He then hurried on after Officer Stewart to l help him. He could not say whether the | man fell, or whether he said anything or not. | He thought he was large, man. Could not | say positively whether he had a beard, but | thought he had. Thought the man had no | hat on. Could not swear that the man was | saying anything at the time. When asked | why he did not arrest the man, he said he | did not take time to think about it. He ad- | mitted that a man who deserved to be cIubbed deserved to be arrested.
 Officer Walters said he made the first ar- rest that night It was student whom he caught firing crackers He did not use club, nor did he see any club used. He saw the man who said he was struck. He WAS tall and had beard.
 Officer Bissell testifed that he reached the campus about one o'clock in response to 8 whistle He met man who said he had been dubbed and he offered to go with him to have the wound dressed He went part way across the Green with him when he met Sergeant Bishop. who told him to let the man 20 with his friends, he was needed on the carapus, where the firing of the crackers was