The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1885-04-21
A SPIRITED ENGAGEMENT.
Police Commissioner Murphy Makes Objection
to Commissioner CottrOlls Remarks.

There was a decidedly spirited engagement
between President Murphy and Commissioner
CottreH at the meeting of the Board of Folice
Commissioners, yesterday afternoon, which will
not tend to restore harmony between the mem
bers by any means The board was in session
to consider the charges against Patrolmen
Ronecker and Meek. Mr.. Cottrel1, who had him
self preferred the charges agains Ronecker, acted
as chief witness, prosecuting attorney and
judge and was especially severe in his structures
upon the accused. The evidence was not par
ticularly conclusive, and Mr.. Cottrel in resting
his case settled back in his chair saying, 1T is
no use going any further, l suppose. OF course
know what the inaing of this hoard will be- y
Mr. Murphy considered this remark accom-
panied as it was by sheer, as being particu-
larry offensive and jumping to his feet said
sharply: "Mr. Cottrell, you have right to
presume to know what my judgment will be at
all. have not yet made up my mind, and l OBJ
iect very much to your attempting to predict my
verdict"
81 am here as your equal Mr.. Murphy" said
Cottrell, ''and l will say what 1 please"
Certainly SIR continued Mr.. Murphy, now
will not permit any man, be he police commits
sioner or speaking in any other capacity, to inn
peach my judicial honesty as you meant to by
your remark moment ago.
"All right Mr. Murphy said Cottrell, II
want it understood that l am as
much of commissioner as ANYBODY.
l represent the people who appointed me as we'll
as you do-in fact, in my own opinion. repre-
sent them better. In this connection, gentle
lodi thar hot
and Mr.. Morrison), don't mind telling you that
only day or two ago State officer told me,
very emphatcally, that he should be very greatly
pleased if both of you would resign your posi-
tions on the board"
II suppose you feel much relieved, now, that
you have made that statement, Mr.. Cottrell, "
said Mr. Murphy, by way of conclusion.
A vote was then taken on the question of
Roneckers reinstatement Messrs. Murphy and
Morrison voting for, and Mr. Cottrell against his
being restored to his position. The charges
against Patrolman Meek were then called up,
and he was also reinstated.
II tell you what it isl said Democrat of
"HberaP tendencies to whom Journal reporter
related the foregoing, last night, Mr.. Cottrelps
appointment was a very unfortunate one for sa-
loonkeepers. 1t gave them to understand that they
would be permitted TO violate the law at will,
and Cottrells course since assuming the position
has strengthened that impression and sew
eral of them have got into trouble by keeping
open aIlef hours. Ine consequence Is tnat tHe
feeling against them has been greatly increased,
and Mayor McMaster is now imposing terms of
Imprisonment against them besides assessing
fines"
The A 5a4bers of the board are greatly pleased
at the action of the Light Infantry IN placing it
self under their jurisdiction. 1t gives them a
reserve force of sixty we'll drilled men to CO.
operate with the police force in case of mob or
riot, and will prove most valuable acquisition
in case an emergency arises.
The board also passed an order directing pa
trolmen when on duty to walk on opposite sides
of the stree, but within hailing distance of each
other.