Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1884-10-04

MAJOR DYE, HOWEVER, RECOMMENDS THE CHARGR
BE DisMlssED-A SUGGESTION CONCERNING POLICE
DISCIPLINE.
The report to Major Dye OF the trial committee in
the case OF Private FEE Reddn tried on the lst inst
on charges OF conduct unbecoming policeman,is 10
the effect that after making thorough investigation
OF the case, they find him guilty OF the specifica-
tions and charge against him, and recommend his
dismissal from the force. The officer was charged
with having given information TO a reporter which
formed The basis cf az article which appeared In
the Republican OF the 25ih ut, stating in SUBJ
stance that Commissioner West had blown the dis
treSS call 10 summon policeman TO read the bull
letins OF the Chicago republican convention last
June, which were shown at the Western Union Tell
egrIph ofrice in this city.
This report is forwarded by Major Dye TO the
District Commissioners with the following indorse-
ment by him :-"The guilt or innocence OF the
party accused turns upon the knowledge OF two
persons placed upon the stand. One OF these by
refusing to testify TO the essential point In the
case, assumed the responsibility OF serving up the
article as found In the press The other witness
the accused-disclaimed responsibility in the mat
ter think tt due TO the latter that his statement
be accepted. respectfully recommend therefore,
that the charge against the officer be dismissed
been clearly determined, for the discipline Of the
force certainly demands that an example should be
made OF AN oficer who has so little appreciation of
the relation which should subsSt between himself
and his comrades, and especially between himself
and his official superior as TO falsfy TO dstort
facts or permit himself 10 be used I'm any way for
the purpose OF traducing superior officer. II has
doubtiessly, occurred TO the Commissioners that II
the Trial committee possesses no power 70 compel
the attendance of witnesses justice cannot be
reached in many cases coming before t. In such
cases at leasp as turn upon the testimony OF par
ties not amenable 10 the rules governing the force
and not under the authority OF the Commissioners.
would II not be wei 10 adopt some method OF In
vestigation by which the discipline OF the force can
be maintalned?"
THE coGNIssIoNERs ArrRovE THE KEcoNNESpa-
TIoN, AND THE CHARGES AEE DISMISSED.
Commissioner Edmonds replied to Major Dye as
follows 81 am instructed to say that your recon-
mendation to dismiss the charges against officer
Reddin is approved Such charges proceeding
from any reliable source cannot be neglected as
they too seriously involve the discipline OF the
force. According to the sworn statement Oh the
oflcer In this case he was grossly misrepreSented
In the Republican, and the author OF the article
refuses TO contradict thu officer the statement OF
the latter should be regarded as true In case or
charges against officers found only In newspapers
perhaps no notice OF them is necessary denial OF
their trGth by the Office will be sufficient
unless you have further corroboration OF their
truth Your inquiry as 20 the right OF the trial
board TO compel witnesses TO testify is answered in
the Affirmative by Mr.. Riddle. and his opinion IN
support thereof Is herewith transmitted Tor your
perusal"