Springfield globe-republic. (Springfield, Ohio) 1884-1887, 1886-07-28
JUST A FAMILY MuSS,
hut Omcer Mcclure was Probably De
gree too Fresh.


gree too Fresh.
As will be seen in the report of the coun-
ellis proceedings printed elsewhere, the
police committee found no case against
Officer Mcclure. the colored policeman,
against whom the family of Willard Smith
preferred charges. The committee disposed
of the matter in a lacUnic report of five
lines. As a matter Of fact, nothing was
presented in the testimony to justify the
discharge or suspension of the officer, bu:
enough was developed "a. satisfy the com
mittee that the colOrcd cop had been
rather too assumptive on one hand
and free with his tongue on the other. 1t
was a case that suqueStiOmably called for Il
severe reprmand on the part Of the chief.
but was too thoroughly trivial To come be-
fore council.
Garbed and exaggerated reports of the
character of the charges made by the
Smiths are current on the streets, and in
justice to all parties concerned, a cold, ut
terly impartial statement of the testimony
presented before the police committee at its
Star-chamber session night before last is
given herewith.
The families of Willard Smith and Officer
Mcclure are neighborS, on the north side.
The former has a daShing young daughter
named Maud, of attractive appearance. who
seems to have been the bone of contention.
Some time ago Mrs. Mcclure came over to
see Mrs Smith-it WAS her first visit-and
asked, with emotion, If her heart wasn't
/ broken over it?" Mrs. Smith replied, in
effect, that her heart was all right TO her
/ knowledge, and asked for further informa-
/ ton. Whereupon Mrs. Mcclure launched
out into a wild. absurd story of how her
( husband and Miss Maud had been carving
on Irritation. aud were being talked about.
Mrs Smith became Indignant, high words
enSued, and Mrs. MHC.ire was finally
shown the door. S"on after Oiii-
Ger Mcclure l,mself came
over. and more pasSages-at-arms
took place, the special affront seeming to be
that Mrs. Smith had called both the Nc.
Clures ''niggers." As he left the house
$50 Mrs. Smith testifesl Mcclure yelled
back tauntingly, Yes, I've fiirted Will
your daughter and played with her. too
Some days afterwards Mrs. Smith sem
for Chief Walker, and he went over. Me
Clure was sent for, and three-corneret
talking match resulted. in which Mrs Smitl
insists Mcclure called her "a d-ned liar.
The officer denies this, but the statement i,
confirmed by the testimony of Chief Walker
Mrs Kennett. of New Carlisle, who was
guest of Mrs. Smith at the time
Maud Smith and Willard Smith
Chief Walker testified that h,
heard the remark and reprimandeC
Mcclure for it. He testified that the repri
mand was Remember, you are an officer
There is no evidence to show that McClur,
burst into tears at the severity of the cen
sure.
Mrs. Smith also told a member of the
committee that Mcclure had frequently
gone out Of his way TO pass the house, anJ
had made gestures which if not insulting
were bordering on. In justice to Mis-,
Smith, let it be said that while the testimony
presented showed that her conduct might
have been injudciouS there was nothing Il
show that she had been openly unIady
like.